What's On: July, August & September

Experience the best live music

JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER 2019

Ray Chen THU 26 SEPTEMBER Ray Chen, Australia’s golden boy of the violin, has been winning hearts with his incredible skill and charming stage presence.

Distinguished concert pianist Stephen Kovacevich The 24-year old prodigy Jacob Collier is one of the most innovative, creative musicians of his generation

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra dazzles with Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks PP1000016130

PHOTO: TOM DOMS

Monteverdi’s Vespers are a towering masterpiece of the early Baroque

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

1 Thu

Korowa Anglican Girls School Annual Concert

p44

2 Fri

Two Pianos & Saxophone

p14

3 Sat

Louisa Rankin Quintet Handel’s Anthems & Fireworks

p5

4 Sun

Handel’s Anthems & Fireworks

p15 p15 p15

p7

5 Mon

Free Music Shostakovich String Quartets

p15 p16

1 Mon

Free Music The Theatre of the Soul

p4 p4

2 Tue

ANAM Prize Winners Concert #1

p4

3 Wed

Hush

p4

4 Thu

Joseph Tawadros Quartet

5 Fri

Django’s Legacy

6 Sat

The Wiggles — Wiggle Fun Tour!

Little Pictures

p7 p7

7 Sun

The Wiggles — Wiggle Fun Tour!

p7

8 Mon

The Wiggles — Wiggle Fun Tour!

Byrd Song

p7 p7

9 Tue

Aura Go Classical Masterpieces

6 Tue

Fretworks p16 Choir of King’s College, Cambridge p16

7 Wed

The Commuter Variations Nicole Car, Étienne Dupuis & Jayson Gillham

p18 p17

p8 p8

8 Thu

French Connections

p18

10 Wed More Than One Place

p8

9 Fri

Meu Fado Meu

p18

10 Sat

Phia feat. Melb Indie Voices

p18

12 Fri

The Barber of Seville

p8

13 Tue

14 Sun

Patriots Concert Two

p10

Melbourne Guitar Quartet Winterreise

p19 p19

14 Wed

German Romantics

p19

15 Thu

Chrysalis Trio The Bamboos

p20 p48

1 Sun

The Firebird

p29

2 Mon

Music at the Centre — War of the Worlds

p44

3 Tue

Free Music Soliloquy Mullova, Barley & de Pledge

p29 p30 p31

4 Wed

Garden of Eden

p30

5 Thu

Soweto Gospel Choir

p32

6 Fri

Other Plans The Swingles

p32 p33

7 Sat

Petrushka

p32

8 Sun

FOJAM

p34

10 Tue

Lowther Hall: Annual Music Concert

p44

11 Wed

Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak: Showcase Concert

p44

12 Thu

Terms & Conditions

p44

13 Fri

Berardi, McAll & Wilson Spinifex Gum

p36 p35

14 Sat

Emerson Quartet

p36

15 Sun

Flute & Harp

p36

15 Mon Stephen Kovacevich Master Class

p9

17 Wed Vinod Prasanna & Bobby Singh — Classical Hindustani Music Stephen Kovacevich

p10 p9

16 Fri

Björk Interpreted

p20

18 Thu

Sounds of Space Arabian Nights: Scheherazade Contours of Songlines

p10 p10 p11

17 Sat

Quartet & Country

p20

19 Mon

p22

16 Mon

Without Regrets Paul Lewis Master Class

p37 p41

19 Fri

Torch Songs

p12

‘Magnum Opus’ The Opus 5 of Corelli Jordan Rakei

p21

17 Tue

20 Sat

Songs of a Sunburnt Country

p12

20 Tue

Melbourne Girls Grammar School Concert

p44

Mad Visions Emerson Quartet

p37 p36

21 Sun

Westbourne Grammar School Annual Concert

p44

21 Wed

A Winter Concert — Wesley College p44 Kenny Broberg p22

18 Wed

Wantirna College Gala Concert

p44

19 Thu

22 Mon The Versatile Saxophone

p12

22 Thu

Chinese Diaspora

p13

20 Fri

Ives Westlake Debussy Explorations

p38 p38

25 Thu

Grace Ferguson & Fia Fiell

p13

p22 p23 p23

p37 p38

23 Tue

Mozart & Bernstein Brio & Passion New Constellations

Mozart & Bach Light & Dark

p24 p23

p39

p13

Margaret Leng Tan Michelle Nicolle Quartet 21st Birthday

Next Generation Baroque

Schubert Mass

23 Fri

21 Sat

28 Sun

22 Sun

Next Generation Baroque

p39

24 Sat

Australian Girls Choir

p26

23 Mon

25 Sun

Piano Battle Live in Australia

p26

Lightness of Being Monteverdi’s Vespers

p39 p39

26 Mon

Scintillating Debussy, Ravel & Bartók Ears Wide Open 3 — L’Italiana in Algeri

p26

24 Tue

Rowell & Moore Melbourne Beethoven Quartet Cycle Concert 6 Paul Lewis

p40 p40

27 Tue

One Thread That Binds Us All — St Catherine’s School

p44

p40

28 Wed

Haileybury in Concert

p44

Jams for Fams: Meeting Mendelssohn Jessica Hitchcock

29 Thu

The Tragedy of Mignon Quintets with Friends

p27 p27

26 Thu

Turning Circles Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto

p43 p42

30 Fri

Chiquinha Gonzaga Jacob Collier

p27 p28

29 Sun

Great Romantics Competition

p43

31 Sat

Wa: Ikebana Performance with the Grigoryan Brothers Jacob Collier

p29

30 Mon

Cityscapes

p43

30 Tue Ears Wide Open 2 — A Midsummer Night’s Dream

p14

31 Wed Tokyo Meets Paris

p14

The information in this brochure is correct at the time of printing. Artist lineup and program subject to change without notice.

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p27

p28

25 Wed

p41

p42

Wominjeka, Welcome

Inside this issue JOSEPH TAWADROS QUARTET

p05 Melbourne Recital Centre celebrates musical expression and its power to move us.

See page 25 to read about the Centre’s transformative work in providing learning and access opportunities to thousands of people each year. Everyone should be able to experience live music and that’s why we need your help: a donation to Melbourne Recital Centre sustains the vibrancy of our program, allowing us to support more artists and continue our contribution to our community for the next decade of our life and beyond.

The Centre’s 10th Anniversary party continues with acclaimed international and Australian performers in our two sublime spaces. With Australia’s most diverse array of concerts, Melbourne Recital Centre is the best place to experience artists such as toy piano virtuoso Margaret Leng Tan (23 August) one week and YouTube pop sensation Jacob Collier (30 & 31 August) the next. Your favourite party band The Bamboos returns for Symphonic Soul (15 August) and the fascinating rhythms of oud master Joseph Tawadros and his Quartet are inspired by Arabic classical music, folk, jazz and rock (4 July). Our 2019 Artist-inResidence William Barton, Australia’s foremost didgeridoo player, curates a showcase for his music joined by leading Australian performers — a must-hear, one-off experience (18 July).

We’re excited to present Spinifex Gum (13 September), an exquisite journey to the Pilbara region from Felix Reibl (Cat Empire) and Cairns-based Indigenous choir Marliya.

It is breathtaking, uniquely Australian and profoundly inspiring. Great Performers Nicole Car, soprano, and Étienne Dupuis (baritone) make their Recital Centre debuts (7 August), as does revered pianist

Melbourne Recital Centre proudly stands on the land of the Kulin Nation and we pay our respects to Melbourne’s First People, to their Elders past and present, and to our shared future.

Charismatic oud player Joseph Tawadros shares an almost telepathic rapport with his band members: brother James, a percussionist, bassist Karl Dunnicliff and jazz pianist Matt McMahon, in a performance full of joyous spontaneous invention.

WILLIAM BARTON Stephen Kovacevich (17 July). We welcome back Paul Lewis who concludes his epic survey of piano masterpieces (24 September).

Australia’s best-loved arts companies make Melbourne Recital Centre home. We’re proud that the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra is celebrating both its 10th season at the Centre and its 30th anniversary. The Brandenberg’s August concert features Handel’s appropriately festive Fireworks Music (3 & 4 August). You can also enjoy concerts from Musica Viva, the ACO, the Australian String Quartet and many others.

I look forward to seeing you at a concert soon.

EUAN MURDOCH

CEO, Melbourne Recital Centre

p11 Artist-in-residence William Barton performs with three artists very dear to him. Together they explore music and songs of country in what will be a memorable evening of the finest expressive music.

MULLOVA, BARLEY & DE PLEDGE

p31 Internationally acclaimed violinist Viktoria Mullova and husband Matthew Barley, join long-time collaborator Stephen de Pledge to perform Ravel and Schubert in the intimacy of the piano trio.

FOJAM

p34 The Festival of Jewish Arts and Music (FOJAM) takes over the Centre in a day-long immersion of contemporary Jewish culture with 30 performances across music, theatre, dance and conversation.

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JULY

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE

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SPOTLIGHT SERIES

Free Music Melbourne Recital Centre opens the doors of its intimate Salon one Monday a month for a free open rehearsal featuring the very best of Melbourne’s chamber musicians.

It’s an open door policy for anyone to come in and discover something new or hear local artists rehearse new works, new programs and try out new ideas.

INFOR M AT ION

Mon 1 July 12 noon Primrose Potter Salon (One hour) FREE Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre

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LOCAL HEROES

The Theatre of the Soul

ANAM Prize Winners Concert #1

Ensemble 642 specialises in music from the age of basso continuo (late 16th to early 18th century). Directed by two leading young Australian exponents of rare plucked-string instruments: Hannah Lane (Baroque triple harp) and Nicholas Pollock (theorbo, lutes & Baroque guitar), Ensemble 642 collaborates with the finest early music performers in Australia to bring to life exquisite music that hasn’t been heard for hundreds of years.

The Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) trains exceptional young classical musicians. This concert shines a light on two of its outstanding prize winners, violinist Kyla Matsuura-Miller and cellist Caleb Wong. Joined by pianist Adam McMillan, the three artists' energetic playing brings freshness and warmth to beloved works by Ravel, Brahms and Ligeti.

INFOR M AT ION

Tue 2 July 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Ravel Tzigane, Rhapsodie de concert Ligeti Sonata for solo cello Brahms Piano Trio No.1 in B, Op.8

Mon 1 July 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Works by Monteverdi and Kasberger.

Roberta Diamond soprano Jacob Lawrence tenor Laura Vaughan viola da gamba/ lirone Ensemble 642 Tickets $39 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Ensemble 642

1 Ensemble 642 2 Kyla Matsuura-Miller 3 Caleb Wong 4 Rubiks Collective

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INFOR M AT ION

Kyla Matsuura-Miller violin Caleb Wong cello Adam McMillan piano Tickets $39 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre

Hush Rubiks Collective presents five contemporary works exploring the power of voice, breath and gesture.

Annie Hui-Hsin Hsieh’s The thin air between skins explores shimmering, nuanced exchanges between performers, Annika Socolofsky’s sextet invokes the fragility and fury of the female voice, and human and machine duel in Dmitri Tymoczko’s world premiere song cycle featuring acclaimed London-based mezzosoprano Lotte Betts-Dean.

INFOR M AT ION

Wed 3 July 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Annika Socolofsky Don’t Say a Word Erin Gee Mouthpiece 28 Amy Beth Kirsten World Under Glass No.2 Annie Hui-Hsin Hsieh The thin air between skins Dmitri Tymoczko Ghosts (world premiere) Lotte Betts-Dean mezzo-soprano Rubiks Collective Tickets $39 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Rubiks Collective

Joseph Tawadros Quartet ‘ Thrilling intensity, spectacular beauty and unnerving emotion.’

THE AGE Multi-instrumentalist and virtuosic exponent of the oud Joseph Tawadros has dazzled Australian music-lovers for decades with his intoxicating energy and fluid inventiveness. His joyous style has led to collaborations with Slava and Leonard Grigoryan, Neil Finn, Katie Noonan, Richard Tognetti and the Australian Chamber Orchestra.

Hear Tawadros perform original works fusing Arabic, folk and jazz — even metal and bluegrass elements — in a quartet featuring his brother and prodigious percussionist James Tawadros. This fascinating program is woven together by Joseph’s virtuosity, lyricism and the contemporary musicality of the oud.

INFOR M AT ION

Thu 4 July 7.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours incl. interval) Joseph Tawadros Quartet Tickets $50/$40 Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre

Bookings at melbournerecital.com.au or 03 9699 3333 | Transaction & delivery fees may apply | Prices subject to change

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JULY

JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER 2019

JULY

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE

Fierce, Femme & Fabulous Mama Alto on gender & the curiosities of cabaret

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s a queer, transgender person of colour, Mama Alto has carved out a striking career as a cabaret artiste, jazz singer and community activist. Fierce, femme and fabulous, she draws on the legacies of vintage torch singers and her own identity, disrupting societal constructions and empowering the marginalised through art.

In her own powerful and personal words, Mama Alto explores how she embraces cabaret and jazz as an artform and outlet to share important stories about gender, identity and the world: Cabaret is a site of possibilities, of potential, of pluralities. Fluid, layered, and complex, the cabaret is like a prism: held up to the light of our lives, it refracts the singular beam out into a rainbow, revealing the full, rich, multifaceted glories of human experience.

Similarly, the art of the jazz singer is one resplendent with expressive potentials. The interpretation of lyric and the innovation of melody combine to create a deep, in-themoment, living mirror of human emotions.

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And in the form of torch songs, these two rich veins of meaning-making and music-making combine and flourish, articulating our humanity, our lives, our spirits. From the most abundant of joys to the most devastating of sorrows, the troughs of tragedy to the peaks of triumph, torch songs navigate the complex and confounding journeys of love and loss, of poignancy and pathos.

‘ It is a kind of empathy, a kind of storytelling, a kind of discovery, a kind of communal or collective knowing. In the music, we find ourselves — and each other.’

This kind of music can be an archaeology of the self: an excavation of one’s own interior psychological universe. Or, it can be a walk in someone else’s shoes: an exploration of what it means to move through the world in someone else’s skin.

Mama Alto, and her research and work into the social implications of the diva, the torch song, and cabaret performance, is supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria and the 2019 Creators Fund.

Mama Alto performs Torch Songs on Friday 19 July. See page 12 for details.

For me, devoting my life to singing this repertoire has been a liberating and empowering experience, as well as at times a confronting and challenging one. I have learned much about myself, and about others; about gender, about sexuality, about identity, about acceptance, and about humanity. And I know from audience members, and from fellow artists, who I have spoken with over the past decade that these songs have helped them learn, too.

Head to Soundescapes to discover the stories about the music, musicians and people that make Melbourne Recital Centre the best place to hear: soundescapes.melbournerecital.com.au

JULY

JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER 2019

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Kids & Families

Django’s Legacy Combining the rhythms of the manouche and the lyricism of hot jazz with tender ballads, waltzes and original compositions, Ultrafox brings you an evening of swinging gypsy style jazz in the classic hot club of France tradition.

The band pays tribute to the music of the gypsy legend Django Reinhardt and imbues it with its own personal stamp. Ultrafox’s music is characterised by the swing of gypsy style acoustic guitars laced with lyrical yet fiery solos.

INFOR M AT ION

Fri 5 July 8pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Works by Peter Baylor and Django Reinhardt.

Ultrafox Tickets $30 ($25 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Ultrafox

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The Wiggles: Wiggle Fun Tour!

Sing and dance with The Wiggles to all your favourite Wiggles tunes.

From ‘Hot Potato’ to ‘Rock a Bye Your Bear’, this family-friendly concert teaches kids many exciting styles of dance and music. Emma, Lachy, Anthony and Simon introduce you to all their Wiggly Friends: Captain Feathersword, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog and many more! Don’t miss The Wiggles’ most fun show yet.

INFOR M AT ION

Sat 6, Sun 7 & Mon 8 July 10am, 12.30pm & 2.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (One hour no interval) The Wiggles Tickets $33.90 Babes in arms ticketing applies.

Sun 7 July 10am performance includes Auslan Shadow Interpreting.

See page 45 for details.

Presented by Infasecure

SOUTHBANK SERIES

SPOTLIGHT SERIES

Little Pictures

Byrd Song

Benaud Trio is one of Australia’s finest chamber ensembles.

Formed in 2005 by pianist Amir Farid, violinist Lachlan Bramble and cellist Ewen Bramble, the ensemble’s members have established themselves as formidable performers of diverse repertoire and musical styles.

This concert sees the ensemble take on one of Mendelssohn’s most popular creations and James Macmillan’s 14 Little Pictures, a collection of minatures that together are even more wonderful than the sum of their parts.

Consortium explores the rich repertoire for viol consort. Drawing upon a wealth of professional experience and a deep shared love of the consort experience, Consortium performs works by one of the great masters of the Renaissance, William Byrd, with rising early music star soprano, Roberta Diamond.

INFOR M AT ION

Roberta Diamond soprano Consortium Tickets $39 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Consortium

Sat 6 July 3pm & 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Mendelssohn Piano Trio in D minor, Op.49, No.1 James Macmillan 14 Little Pictures

INFOR M AT ION

Mon 8 July 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Works by Byrd.

Benaud Trio Tickets $39 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Benaud Trio

1 Ultrafox 2 The Wiggles 3 Benaud Trio 4 Consortium

Bookings at melbournerecital.com.au or 03 9699 3333 | Transaction & delivery fees may apply | Prices subject to change

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MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE

JULY

LOCAL HEROES

Aura Go Beethoven’s mighty ‘Tempest’ Sonata, full of tragedy and power, lies at the heart of an energetic program performed by awardwinning Australian pianist Aura Go. Aura’s mastery of the keyboard is on display in Bach’s technically demanding Toccata, a pair of icy miniatures by Finnish composer Melartin, and Debussy’s L’Isle joyeuse, one of his most characterful creations. Enjoy morning tea in the Ground Floor Foyer from 10am and an exclusive Meet the Artists session following the concert at noon.

INFOR M AT ION

Tue 9 July 11am Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (One hour no interval) J.S. Bach Toccata for keyboard in D, BWV 912 Beethoven Piano Sonata No.17, Op.31, No.2, ‘Tempest’ Melartin Solitude & Regen Debussy L’Isle joyeuse Aura Go piano Tickets $54 Presented by Musica Viva

Classical Masterpieces

More Than One Place

The acclaimed guitar duo of Ziggy & Miles Johnston takes you into colourful sound worlds with works by the great composers.

Experience classics you know and love arranged to highlight the beloved qualities of the guitar.

Whether through the extravagance of Mozart’s Piano Sonata in A or the timeless enchantment of Beethoven’s ‘Moonlight’ Sonata, the brothers display authentic emotion and stirring expressivity.

When you call one place home, yet you also call another place home, where are you from? Taking inspiration from Iran, Australia and beyond, Garden Quartet creates contemporary music that is steeped in history and dares to explore the dualities of multiculturalism. Delicate Iranian poetry entwines with pop sensibilities, as the Quartet delves into themes of place, home, love, loss and hope in original and cherished works. Led by Gelareh Pour and Brian O’Dwyer, the Quartet combines classical Persian and modern western instruments with effortless delicacy.

INFOR M AT ION

Tue 9 July 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Mozart Piano Sonata No.11 in A, K.331 Rossini Overture to The Barber of Seville Beethoven Piano Sonata No.14 in C-sharp minor, Op.27, No.2, ‘Moonlight’ Ziggy & Miles Johnston guitar Tickets $39 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre and Ziggy & Miles Johnston

INFOR M AT ION

Wed 10 July 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Garden Quartet Tickets $39 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Garden Quartet

Ziggy & Miles Johnston

Aura Go

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Garden Quartet

Kids & Families

The Barber of Seville A serious case of love at first sight is a big problem for Count Almaviva. Enter the resourceful barber named Figaro, who cleverly solves everyone’s problems — for a price. Secret letters, cunning disguises and all sorts of confusions will delight young audiences as the boy gets the girl and Figaro gets paid! Rossini’s The Barber of Seville is one of the most popular operas ever written. This production is sung in English to engage children of all ages.

INFOR M AT ION

Fri 12 July 11.30am Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (One hour no interval) Rossini The Barber of Seville Opera Australia Tickets $26 Babes in arms ticketing applies.

Performance includes Auslan Shadow Interpreting.

See page 45 for details.

Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Opera Australia Supported by the Betty Amsden Kids & Families program

JULY

JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER 2019

Stephen Kovacevich GREAT PERFORMERS

Stephen Kovacevich is unquestionably one of the greatest pianists of the last half century. In his long and distinguished career as a concert pianist, he is particularly renowned for his interpretations of Schubert. And now we welcome this eminent artist, a giant in the piano world, to make his Melbourne Recital Centre debut in this masterful program.

Marshall McGuire, Director of Programming

Stephen Kovacevich is the ultimate master craftsman. His performances have integrity and beauty — the products of experience, wisdom and heart. Relationships have also defined Kovacevich’s career: with conductor Colin Davis for a series of iconic recordings and his ongoing musical partnerships with musicians including ex-wife Martha Argerich. Then there are the relationships he has with Bach, Beethoven and Schubert, composers he has known all his life, and who continue to provide inspiration and discovery to Kovacevich and his audiences.

INFOR M AT ION

Wed 17 July 7.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours incl. interval) Free pre-concert talk 6.45pm J.S. Bach Partita No.4 in D, BWV 828 Beethoven Piano Sonata No.30 in E, Op.109 Schubert Piano Sonata No.21 in B-flat, D.960 Stephen Kovacevich piano (U.S.A.) Tickets from $62 ($55 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre Series Partner: Legal Friends of Melbourne Recital Centre Program Partner: The Langham Melbourne

Bookings at melbournerecital.com.au or 03 9699 3333 | Transaction & delivery fees may apply | Prices subject to change

Master Class with Stephen Kovacevich Join Stephen Kovacevich for a relevatory master class and discover more about the great repertoire for piano.

INFOR M AT ION

Mon 15 July 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (Two hours no interval) Stephen Kovacevich piano (U.S.A.) Tickets $10 Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre Supported by YMF Australia

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JULY

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE

Vinod Prasanna

Kenny McAlpine

Corpus Medicorum

Patriots Concert Two

Vinod Prasanna & Bobby Singh

Corpus Medicorum travels to the German heartland to bring you two of the most glorious symphonic adventures of the Romantic period.

The program opens with Brahms’s masterly Double Concerto featuring two of Melbourne’s most talented musicians. Then sail with Schumann and his epic third symphony down the Rhine evoking the composers’ patriotic sentiments.

Classical Hindustani Music

INFOR M AT ION

Sun 14 July 5pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours incl. interval) Brahms Double Concerto for violin & cello Schumann Symphony No.3, ‘Rhenish’ Markiyan Melnychenko violin Michael Dahlenburg cello Keith Crellin OAM conductor Corpus Medicorum Tickets $50 ($40 conc) Presented by Corpus Medicorum

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Flute virtuoso Vinod Prasanna plays soulful and captivating Indian classical music at its most passionate. From the King’s Court of old to the modern concert stage, Vinod continues a 250-year family tradition of Indian flute playing, charming audiences with his passion and technical brilliance.

He is joined by tabla player Bobby Singh, a disciple of the great maestro Aneesh Pradhan and one of the most sought-after musicians on the Australian world music circuit.

INFOR M AT ION

Wed 17 July 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Classical Hindustani instrumental pieces.

Vinod Prasanna bansuri Bobby Singh tabla Tickets $30 ($25 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & The Boite

Scheherazade

MUSICAL EXPLORATIONS

LOCAL HEROES

Sounds of Space

Arabian Nights: Scheherazade

To mark the 50th anniversary of the moon landing in July 1969, explore the many different Sounds of Space — what music and noise we send out, and the sounds from the universe we have collected and their impact on the creation of music. Join Associate Professor Kenny McAlpine from The University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Fine Arts & Music, and Laby Teaching & Outreach Fellow Clare Kenyon from the School of Physics, for a cosmic Musical Explorations talk.

Inventi Ensemble is a dynamic chamber ensemble, renowned for reinventing old classics and premiering new ones. In this concert, the beloved Scheherazade of One Thousand and One Nights weaves her tales through Rimsky-Korsakov’s epic work. In true Inventi style, the artists take on the challenge of performing this large scale work for small ensemble. The work is partnered with a brand new composition by Caerwen Martin.

INFOR M AT ION

Thu 18 July 12 noon Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Kenny McAlpine speaker Clare Kenyon speaker Tickets $10 Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & The University of Melbourne

INFOR M AT ION

Thu 18 July 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Rimsky-Korsakov (arr. Glynn Davies) Scheherazade Caerwen Martin The Book Beneath My Bed Inventi Ensemble Tickets $39 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Inventi Ensemble

JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER 2019

JULY

Contours of Songlines I n this concert I’ll be re-visiting songs I started writing when I was in my teens, celebrating organic growth through artistic fusion and showing how music can be a platform of expression that enriches our community.

William Barton, Artist-in-Residence

Melbourne Recital Centre’s 2019 Artist-in-Residence William Barton, Kalkadunga man and one of Australia’s great living artists, performs music and songs with three artists who are dear to him: pianist Paul Grabowsky, violinist Veronique Serret and his mother, the beloved singer Aunty Delmae Barton. Exploring songs of country, improvisations and artistic fusion, William and his friends showcase music that is lyrical, earthy, soulful and contemporary, elevated by William’s unique gallery of artistry.

Thu 18 July 7.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (One hour & 45-mins incl. interval) William Barton didgeridoo/guitar/vocals Aunty Delmae Barton vocals Veronique Serret violin Paul Grabowsky piano Tickets $50 ($40 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre Supported by The Vizard Foundation & Message Consultants

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PHOTO: KEITH SAUNDERS

INFOR M AT ION

JULY

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE

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Torch Songs Jazz singer, cabaret artiste and gender transcendent diva Mama Alto beguiles you with sumptuous and exquisite torch songs.

Having captivated the hearts and minds of audiences with her luscious voice for the past eight years, Mama Alto returns with her evocative interpretations of jazz standards from the American Songbook. Accompanied by multi-instrumental wonder William Elm on piano, Mama Alto invites you to drink in the riches of torch songs.

INFOR M AT ION

Fri 19 July 8pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Mama Alto vocals William Elm piano Tickets from $30 ($25 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Mama Alto

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Songs of a Sunburnt Country

The Versatile Saxophone

Drawing from a diversity of eras and genres, this concert takes you on a musical journey: from the lyrics of Banjo Patterson to the melodies of Katie Noonan, and the modern anthems of bands such as INXS. With arrangements by Johannes Luebbers, The Clancye Milne Octet uses these prized Australian compositions as a platform for connection, expression and improvisation through enhanced harmony and augmentation of instrumental colours.

Saxophonist Justin Kenealy and pianist Coady Green unite as Duo Eclettico. The awardwinning Australian artists showcase a dazzling array of virtuosic music for this rarely heard combination of instruments. With works by living Australian composers, Justin Kenealy’s original Bach transcription and a vibrant French masterpiece by Paule Maurice, the performance offers insights into an eclectic and colourful range of music.

INFOR M AT ION

Mon 22 July 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Maurice Tableaux de Provence Katy Abbott UndercurrenT J.S. Bach (arr. Kenealy) Concerto in A minor, BWV 1041 Matthew Hindson Ignition: Positive John Carmichael Latin American Dances

Sat 20 July 8pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) The Clancye Milne Octet Tickets $30 ($25 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Clancye Milne

INFOR M AT ION

Duo Eclettico Tickets $39 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Duo Eclettico

1 Mama Alto 2 Clancye Milne 3 Duo Eclettico

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JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER 2019

3 1 Alvin Wong 2 Fia Fiell 3 Polyphonic Voices

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Chinese Diaspora Alvin Wong tells the stories of Chinese diaspora with his cello. Generations of Chinese composers left their homeland to pursue their musical dreams in the West, where they developed their voice while reconciling the multiplicity of their identity. Music that paints pictures of deeply personal journeys is vividly captured in these expressive and heartfelt solo cello works.

INFOR M AT ION

Tue 23 July 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Chen Yi Memory Zhou Long Wild Grass for solo cello & tape Angel Lam First Wind of May Bright Sheng Seven Tunes Heard In China Chen Yi Ballad of the Earth Alvin Wong cello Tickets $39 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Alvin Wong

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Grace Ferguson & Fia Fiell Forward-thinking composers and sound designers Grace Ferguson and Fia Fiell create an evening of immersive and otherworldly soundscapes in the intimacy of the Primrose Potter Salon. Grace Ferguson displays her intuitive approach to melody, rhythm, dynamics and silence in original works and partimprovised collaborations with favourite musicians. Following performances at Inner Varnika, Dark Mofo and Freedom Time, electronic musician Fia Fiell extends the boundary of millennial electronic music to create hauntingly ethereal and euphoric soundscapes, combining piano and electronics.

INFOR M AT ION

Thu 25 July 7pm Primrose Potter Salon (105-mins incl. interval) Tickets $30 ($25 conc) Grace Ferguson piano Fia Fiell piano/electronics Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Spirit Level

Bookings at melbournerecital.com.au or 03 9699 3333 | Transaction & delivery fees may apply | Prices subject to change

Schubert Mass Join Melbourne Chamber Orchestra for a new chapter in its musical journey — the orchestra’s first performance of music for chamber orchestra and choir. Polyphonic Voices, noted for its extraordinary choral singing, joins the Orchestra for Schubert’s Mass in G, a work inspired by the composer’s divine gift for melody. Composed just a few months after the Mass, Schubert’s third symphony is among the most uplifting of all symphonies.

INFOR M AT ION

Sun 28 July 2.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours incl. interval) J.S. Bach Violin Concerto in E, BWV 1042 Schubert Mass No.2 in G, D167 Schubert Symphony No.3 in D, D200 Michael Fulcher director Polyphonic Voices William Hennessy AM director/violin Melbourne Chamber Orchestra Tickets from $65 ($54 conc) Presented by Melbourne Chamber Orchestra

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JULY

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE

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1 Melbourne Symphony Orchestra 2 Masahide Kurita 3 Tony Gould 4 Robert Burke 5 Paul Grabowsky

Did you know?

Elisabeth Murdoch Hall has a unique, stepped ceiling that has been carefully designed to provide strong acoustic reflections to support musicians hearing themselves, and to assist with ensemble playing.

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SPOTLIGHT SERIES

Ears Wide Open 2 — A Midsummer Night’s Dream Mendelssohn had a sharp musical wit and keen imagination, traits that made him a perfect match for Shakespeare. In an illustrated musical lecture presented by Tianyi Lu, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra takes you through excerpts of Mendelssohn’s magical fairy garden, as you discover the composer’s inspired skills at crafting music, in three movements: the restless then comical Intermezzo, the solemn Nocturne, and the famous Wedding March.

INFOR M AT ION

Tue 30 July 6.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (One hour no interval) Mendelssohn A Midsummer Night’s Dream (highlights) Tianyi Lu presenter Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Tickets $29* ($24* conc) *Prices subject to change without notice

Presented by Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

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Tokyo Meets Paris The refinement of French and Japanese cultures meet and reflect in a concert that gleams with elegance and fantasy. The French fondness for the flute emerges in Poulenc’s graceful and virtuosic Sonata, and Debussy’s Préludes dazzle with ethereal water scenes.

With the simple poetry of Earth by screen composer Muramatsu, Japanese flautist Masahide Kurita and Paris-based pianist David Selig conjure a world that is both familiar and mysterious, as if accessible only by dreams.

INFOR M AT ION

Wed 31 July 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Works by Schubert, Fauré, Debussy, Muramatsu and Poulenc.

Masahide Kurita flute David Selig piano Tickets $39 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre and Masahide Kurita & David Selig

Two Pianos & Saxophone Three of Australia’s most celebrated creative artists of improvisation, performance and composition join forces. Pianist Tony Gould AM is a celebrated composer and collaborator; Paul Grabowsky AO is a pianist, composer, arranger and conductor whose awards include four ARIAs; and saxophonist Robert Burke has performed and composed on over 300 albums. This concert features many new compositions by the ensemble, drawn from diverse styles of music.

INFOR M AT ION

Fri 2 August 8pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Robert Burke saxophone Tony Gould piano Paul Grabowsky piano Tickets $30 ($25 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Robert Burke

AUGUST

JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER 2019

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Louisa Rankin Quintet Singer Louisa Rankin is a bold maker of music.

Her approach to composing for and singing within an ensemble as they improvise together is both playful and disciplined. Performing completely original works, Louisa’s quintet showcases the lyrical playing of Angela Davis on alto saxophone, the deft control of Fran Swinn and Jon Delaney on guitars, and the adventurous explorations of Jonathan Zion on double bass.

INFOR M AT ION

Sat 3 August 8pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Louisa Rankin Quintet Tickets $30 ($25 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Louisa Rankin

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Handel’s Anthems & Fireworks Be uplifted with joy and jubilation by the timeless anthems and orchestral works of George Frideric Handel performed by the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra and Choir. In a stirring celebration of the composer at his triumphant best, the Choir rouses the spirit with the glorious choruses of his Coronation Anthems. Performed with Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks, this exultant concert sparkles with pomp and pride.

Free Music Come along to a wonderful hour of free music with Melbourne’s finest chamber musicians.

Happening once a month in the exquisite surrounds of Primrose Potter Salon, it’s an open door policy for you to see the artists try out new works, new programs and new ideas.

INFOR M AT ION

Mon 5 August 12 noon Primrose Potter Salon (One hour) FREE Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre

INFOR M AT ION

Sat 3 Aug 7pm & Sun 4 August 5pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours incl. interval) Handel Coronation Anthem No.1, Zadok the Priest, HWV 258 Handel Coronation Anthem No.2, My Heart is Inditing, HWV 261 Handel Coronation Anthem No.3, The King Shall Rejoice, HWV 260 Handel Coronation Anthem No.4, Let Thy Hand be Strengthened, HWV 259 Handel Oboe Concerto No.3 in G minor, HWV 287 Handel Music for Royal Fireworks, HWV 352 Emma Black Baroque oboe (Vienna) Paul Dyer artistic director Australian Brandenburg Orchestra Brandenburg Choir Tickets from $30 Presented by Australian Brandenburg Orchestra

Bookings at melbournerecital.com.au or 03 9699 3333 | Transaction & delivery fees may apply | Prices subject to change

1 Louisa Rankin 2 Leanne Sullivan, Australian Brandenburg Orchestra

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AUGUST

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE

About the artists

Melbourne Guitar Quartet

The Choir of King’s College, Cambridge (pictured below) was founded in 1441 by King Henry VI to provide daily singing in his chapel, which remains the main task of the choir to this day.

Flinders Quartet

Choir of King's College, Cambridge

LOCAL HEROES

LOCAL HEROES

Shostakovich String Quartets

Fretworks

Imagine the life of Shostakovich through the lens of harrowing string quartets that articulate alienation, oppression, persecution and the fears of asylum seekers. Inspired by Wendy Lesser’s book Music for Silenced Voices, Flinders Quartet melds movements of his quartets with projected images to sketch a unique perspective on his biography. A Shostakovich string quartet cycle in under two hours.

INFOR M AT ION

Mon 5 August 7pm Primrose Potter Salon (90-mins incl. interval) Shostakovich The String Quartets — selections Flinders Quartet Tickets $50 ($40 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Flinders Quartet

Inspired by iconic 20th-century works, Melbourne Guitar Quartet (MGQ) delves into vast sonic landscapes comprising hypnotic pulses and rhythms. The influence of jazz and innovative approaches to rhythm weave a unique tapestry in Terry Riley’s G Song, the genius of Pat Metheny is reimagined in new arrangements, and the blending of contemporary influences and classical guitar shines in works by Andrew York and Steve Reich.

INFOR M AT ION

Tue 6 August 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Steve Reich Electric Counterpoint Terry Riley G Song Pat Metheny (arr. MGQ) Heat of the Day Pat Metheny (arr. MGQ) Letter From Home Andrew York Quiccan Andrew York B&B Melbourne Guitar Quartet Tickets $39 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Melbourne Guitar Quartet

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Choir of King’s College, Cambridge Founded in the 15th century, the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, is arguably the world’s most famous choir and the pre-eminent representative of the British church music tradition. Its distinctively pure tone has been honed over centuries in the vaulted stone arches of the College Chapel. The repertoire in these programs reflects this breadth by showcasing pieces from the Renaissance to the present day. This performance is especially poignant, marking the Choir’s final tour with Stephen Cleobury, after 37 distinguished years as its director.

INFOR M AT ION

Tue 6 August 7pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours incl. interval) Works by Monteverdi, J.S. Bach, Cavalli, Britten, Byrd, Tallis, Gibbons, Salzedo, Ross Edwards, Judith Weir, L. Berkeley and Vaughan Williams.

Stephen Cleobury director Choir of King’s College, Cambridge (U.K.) Tickets from $75 ($65 conc) Presented by Musica Viva

JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER 2019

Nicole Car, Étienne Dupuis & Jayson Gillham

AUGUST

GREAT PERFORMERS

Étienne Dupuis

Jayson Gillham

Nicole Car is the kind of artist who can reduce you to tears in a tragic role like Mimì, or transport you with the sheer beauty of her voice.

Marshall McGuire, Director of Programming

Nicole Car is one of Australia’s most exciting operatic talents, a soprano with a meltingly lovely voice, the charisma of a true star and a career trajectory to match. She has just made her Metropolitan Opera debut as Mimì in La bohème sharing the stage, as it happens, with her husband, baritone Étienne Dupuis. Joined by pianist Jayson Gillham, they’re reunited to perform the delicately nostalgic melodies of Duparc, Hahn, Fauré and highlights from French opera — both solo and together — in a celebration of virtuoso finesse and undeniable chemistry.

INFOR M AT ION

Wed 7 August 7.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours incl. interval) Free pre-concert talk 6.45pm Songs by Duparc, Fauré, Massenet, Hahn, Thomas, Gounod, Verdi, Torroba, Delibes and Ravel.

Nicole Car soprano Étienne Dupuis baritone (Canada) Jayson Gillham piano Tickets from $62 ($55 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre Series Partner: Legal Friends of Melbourne Recital Centre Program Partner: The Langham Melbourne

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AUGUST

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE

Kathryn Stott

Lisa Moore

Alma Mater

Phia

PIANO SERIES

The Commuter Variations

French Connections

With a unique blend of animation, piano keys, film, words and theatrics, pianist Lisa Moore gives the world premiere performance of The Commuter Variations. The new work by animation artist Sal Cooper and composer Kate Neal celebrates Melbourne Recital Centre’s 10th Anniversary year and is the highlight of a dramatic multi-media concert about movement and commuting, featuring world and Australian premieres of virtuoso works. Don’t miss the post-performance Q&A with the artists.

British pianist Kathryn Stott is a regular visitor to international festivals both as a soloist and chamber musician. Having constantly performed around the world since 1978, when she was a prize winner in the Leeds International Piano Competition, her performances continue to be varied. Kathryn’s Melbourne Recital Centre debut illuminates the piano music of four major French composers.

INFOR M AT ION

Wed 7 August 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) The Commuter Variations* by Kate Neal and works by Mayke Nas, Missy Mazzoli, Ligeti, David Lang, Martin Bresnick and Eric Griswold. *Commissioned by Melbourne Recital Centre for its 10th Anniversary

Lisa Moore piano Tickets $39 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre

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INFOR M AT ION

Thu 8 August 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (70-mins no interval) Works by Ravel, Fauré, Debussy and Franck.

Kathryn Stott piano (U.K.) Tickets $39 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre

Meu Fado Meu Alma Mater pays tribute to the rich traditions that produced the captivating fado music of Portugal, while infusing this traditional style with its own contemporary voice.

Alma Mater is led by singer Yuliya Mik, whose old-world sensibility and passion for music from times before her own breathes new life into the haunting and beautifully robust fado melodies.

INFOR M AT ION

Fri 9 August 8pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Alma Mater Tickets $30 ($25 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Alma Mater

Phia feat.

Melbourne Indie Voices Indie-pop singer-songwriter Phia is known for her genre-defying live-looping and masterful use of the African kalimba (thumb piano). Phia is also the founder and artistic director of Melbourne Indie Voices, a new breed of community choir. Her two musical worlds — joyous choral harmonies and live looping — collide in a heart-stopping Melbourne Recital Centre debut elevated by the choir’s rich sound and Phia’s gift for lyrical music-making.

INFOR M AT ION

Sat 10 August 8pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Phia Melbourne Indie Voices Tickets $30 ($25 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Sophia Exiner

JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER 2019

Melbourne Guitar Quartet Adopting a casual attitude to sound and movement, Relaxed Performances provide the same exceptional artists in the best place to hear, with an environment particularly suitable for audience members with autism, learning disabilities or sensory sensitivities. This time it’s the wonderful Melbourne Guitar Quartet.

INFOR M AT ION

Tue 13 August 12 noon Primrose Potter Salon (45-mins no interval) Melbourne Guitar Quartet Tickets $10 Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre

LOCAL HEROES

AUGUST

RELAXED PERFORMANCE

Winterreise

German Romantics

David Greco and Erin Helyard present the first Australian performance of Schubert’s masterpiece on period instruments. David and Erin strip away the stuffy, canonised aura of this famous work, presenting a Winterreise sung by a young man in the full fervour of love and an all-consuming passion. This is a Winterreise that captures every moment of Schubert’s terror and mortality — a vital and utterly engrossing performance of one of the greatest song cycles ever written.

Ukranian-Australian mother-son duo Markiyan & Oksana Melnychenko have a shared devotion for performing great violin and piano masterpieces. Their recitals present the highest standard of musical artistry, brimming with passionate joy for sharing great music. This concert sees the duo perform masterpieces by Brahms and Schubert with inimitable charm and technical mastery.

INFOR M AT ION

Tue 13 August 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Schubert Winterreise David Greco baritone Erin Helyard piano Tickets $39 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre and David Greco & Erin Helyard

INFOR M AT ION

Wed 14 August 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Schubert Violin Sonata, D.574, ‘Grand Duo’ Brahms Violin Sonata No.1 in G, Op.78, ‘Regen’ Brahms Scherzo from F-A-E Sonata Markiyan Melnychenko violin Oksana Melnychenko piano Tickets $39 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre and Markiyan & Oksana Melnychenko Engaged through The University of MelbourneMelbourne Recital Centre Learning Partnership

Melbourne Guitar Quartet

Markiyan Melnychenko & Oksana Melnychenko

David Greco & Erin Helyard

Bookings at melbournerecital.com.au or 03 9699 3333 | Transaction & delivery fees may apply | Prices subject to change

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AUGUST

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE

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Chrysalis Trio One of Melbourne’s most exciting new chamber ensembles makes its Melbourne Recital Centre debut.

This compelling program is built around Debussy’s masterwork, the first work created for the magical combination of flute, viola and harp. In between, a musical adventure takes you from the vitality and flair of the French Baroque to the world premiere of a new work written specifically for Chrysalis Trio by Australian composer Natalie Williams.

INFOR M AT ION

Thu 15 August 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Ibert Deux Interludes for flute, violin & harp Rameau Pièces de clavecin en concerts, Concert No.5 RCT 11 Natalie Williams new work* (world premiere) Debussy Sonata for flute, viola & harp *Commissioned by Country Arts SA

Chrysalis Trio Tickets $39 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM)

1 Chrysalis Trio 2 Claire Cross 3 Lou Bennett 4 William Barton 5 Australian String Quartet

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Björk: Interpreted: ‘A Sun That Is Still Burning’ The music of Björk defies categorisation. Her truly unique sonic portraits inspire, challenge and invigorate audiences and musicians worldwide. Bassist and composer Claire Cross brings together some of Melbourne’s most exciting young improvisers to reimagine pieces from Björk’s inimitable repertoire. An ambitious and highly visceral experience not to be missed.

INFOR M AT ION

Fri 16 August 7.30pm Primrose Potter Salon (90-mins incl. interval) Works by Björk.

Claire Cross Tickets $30 ($25 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & the SURFACE Project

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Quartet & Country More than just an ordinary concert, Quartet & Country is a much loved project of the Australian String Quartet (ASQ) — one that seeks to find common ground between Western art music and the songlines of this country. A multi-faceted event comprising two concert programs of top Australian composers and a Q&A session, it celebrates new Australian music written and performed by some of the country’s leading voices including Lou Bennett, Stephen Pigram, William Barton and the ASQ. INFOR M AT ION

Sat 17 August 4pm & 6pm Free artist talk 5.10pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Program One: 4pm David Paterson Quartettsätze (two movements for string quartet) Stephen Pigram Walganyagarra Buru Stephen Pigram (arr. Iain Grandage) Mimi Kate Moore String Quartet No.3, Cicadidae Lou Bennett & Iain Grandage dirt song Lou Bennett Jaara Nyilamum

Program Two: 6pm Sculthorpe String Quartet No.11, Jabiru Dreaming Stephen King new work for string quartet & didgeridoo Iain Grandage After Silence Sarah Hopkins Reclaiming the Spirit William Barton Square Circles Beneath the Red Desert Sand Stephen Pigram singer (4pm performance) Lou Bennett singer (4pm performance) William Barton didgeridoo (6pm performance) Australian String Quartet Tickets $39 ($29 conc) Two-concert package $66 ($48 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre in association with Australian String Quartet

AUGUST

JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER 2019

Jordan Rakei ‘A talent in bloom.’

CLASH

STAFF PICK

With a fistful of highly praised releases under his belt and a soulful, jazz and hip-hop driven sound, 26-year-old multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and producer Jordan Rakei is a rare talent.

Acclaimed by the likes of The FADER, Evening Standard and Mixmag, the New Zealand-born, London-based artist has clocked up over 100 million Spotify streams. Signed to Ninja Tune, his anticipated forthcoming album Origin draws inspiration from dystopian visions of our future, with many of the album’s lyrics exploring technological growth and how it affects our sense of humanity. With previously sold-out U.S. and Australian headline tours, as well as performances at iconic venues and festivals — including Glastonbury, Pitchfork Avant-Garde Block Party, and BBC Biggest Weekend — there is no doubt that the depth and craftsmanship of Jordan’s music is turning heads worldwide.

Bookings at melbournerecital.com.au or 03 9699 3333 | Transaction & delivery fees may apply | Prices subject to change

INFOR M AT ION

Mon 19 August 7.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours & 30-mins incl. interval) Jordan Rakei with band Tickets from $41 Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre in arrangement with Niche Productions

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AUGUST

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE

LOCAL HEROES

‘Magnum Opus’ The Opus 5 of Corelli Prolific Baroque composer Arcangelo Corelli injected music with tangible and uncompromising passion — he brought such ambition to his music his eyes glowed ‘red as fire’ when he played his violin. Illuminated on period instruments by Latitude 37, hear his only set of violin sonatas, his Opus 5, glisten with purity, refinement and the fruits of his aspiration to ‘perfect’ music for the instrument.

INFOR M AT ION

MOSTLY MOZART

Kenny Broberg

Mozart & Bernstein

American Kenny Broberg achieved success as one of the grand finalists in the 2016 Sydney International Piano Competition and was recently awarded the silver medal of the 2017 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.

In an exclusive Melbourne recital featuring great works by Bach, Beethoven and Chopin, experience the sublime playing that will undoubtedly confirm Kenny as one of the next great talents of the piano.

Mozart produced his Piano Concerto No.21 during a most exciting period in his life. He was performing, composing, teaching and socialising at a frantic pace, and the sheer density and breadth of this still beautifully measured concerto speaks to this. Bernstein’s West Side Story also stems from a highly creative composing period, and it became an instant triumph of American theatre. The iconic Symphonic Dances explores the twists and turns of romance and drama and will have you tapping along to exhilarating rhythms performed by Timothy Young and ANAM musicians.

INFOR M AT ION

Mon 19 August 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Corelli Violin Sonata in D, Op.5, No.1 Corelli Violin Sonata in C, Op.5, No.3 Corelli Violin Sonata in E minor, Op.5, No.8, transcribed for viola da gamba Corelli Violin Sonata in D minor, Op.5, No.12, ‘La Follia’

Wed 21 August 7.30pm Primrose Potter Salon (Two hours incl. interval) J.S. Bach Prelude & Fugue in A-flat, BWV 862 Beethoven Sonata No.31 in A-flat, Op.110 Chopin Fantaisie in F minor, Op.49 Franck (arr. Bauer) Prélude, Fugue et Variation, Op.18 Medtner Sonata in E minor, Op.25, No.2, Night Wind

Latitude 37 Tickets $39 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Latitude 37

Kenny Broberg piano (U.S.A.) Tickets $59 ($53 conc) Presented by Sydney International Piano Competition by arrangement with the Cliburn

INFOR M AT ION

Thu 22 August 11am Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (One hour no interval) Mozart Piano Concerto No.21 in C, K.467 Bernstein Symphonic Dances from West Side Story (arr. Musto for pianos) Timothy Young piano/director ANAM Pianists & Orchestra Tickets $49 ($42 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM)

Latitude 37

Leonard Bernstein

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Kenny Broberg

JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER 2019

Matthew Laing, Melbourne Chamber Orchestra

AUGUST

Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra

Michelle Nicolle Quartet

Brio & Passion

New Constellations

Wherein lies the genius of Mozart? In his Fifth Quintet, it’s the harmony of oppositions: charm meets brio, the profound rubs shoulders with the light-hearted. In Brahms’s Second String Quintet, we discover an opulent dose of lustrous, unabashed Romanticism. This most intimate performance of iconic chamber music includes gourmet canapés, premium wine, a pre-concert briefing and an opportunity to meet the artists post-performance.

Berlin-based violinist Jakob Lehmann leads an ensemble of specialist local and international chamber musicians through the expansive sounds and pioneering ideas of New Constellations. The Octet for Strings was written when Mendelssohn was just 16, and illustrates the transformation of performance techniques in the chamber music of the early-Romantic period. Brahms destroyed the nonet version of his Serenade, but based on archives and written accounts this original chamber version has been brought back to life.

INFOR M AT ION

Thu 22 August 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (Two hours no interval) Mozart String Quintet No.5 in D, K.593 Brahms String Quintet No.2 in G, Op.111 William Hennessy AM violin Markiyan Melnychenko violin Merewyn Bramble viola Matthew Laing viola Michael Dahlenburg cello Tickets $163 Presented by Melbourne Chamber Orchestra

INFOR M AT ION

Thu 22 August 7.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours incl. interval) Mendelssohn Octet for Strings in E-flat Brahms Serenade No.1 in D for nonet Jakob Lehmann violin/director Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra Tickets from $75 ($65 conc) Presented by Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra

Bookings at melbournerecital.com.au or 03 9699 3333 | Transaction & delivery fees may apply | Prices subject to change

Michelle Nicolle Quartet 21st Birthday This year Michelle Nicolle Quartet celebrates its 21st birthday with a retrospective of its career.

The Quartet seamlessly crosses the borders of genre and style to make a brand of music all its own. Throughout its 21 years the Quartet has performed across Australia, Asia and Europe, with highlights including The North Sea and Tokyo Jazz Festivals.

INFOR M AT ION

Fri 23 August 8pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Works by Monk, Coltrane, Orbison and more.

Michelle Nicolle Quartet Tickets $30 ($25 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Michelle Nicolle Quartet

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AUGUST

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE

Miniature Meets Monumental

STAFF PICK

‘ Tan is the toy piano’s Rubenstein, coaxing an immensity of feeling from a limited tonal range.’

THE INDEPENDENT (U.K.)

Legendary Singaporean pianist Margaret Leng Tan has been hailed as the ‘diva of avant-garde pianism’ (The New Yorker) and the ‘queen of the toy piano’ (The New York Times).

Renowned for her interpretations of John Cage, Tan returns to Melbourne for an eclectic program on toy piano, piano and assorted sound objects. The concert features a Satie miniature, Jed Distler’s Minute Ring, Beatles classics reinterpreted on toy pianos and teapots, and Erik Griswold’s Old MacDonald’s Yellow Submarine performed on all manner of toys. The Australian premiere of Philip Glass’s early minimalist piano solo, How Now, is the centerpiece in this concert of maximal contrasts with the toy piano holding its own against its behemoth counterpart.

INFOR M AT ION

Fri 23 August 7.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (90-mins incl. interval) Lennon & Paul McCartney Eleanor Rigby Erik Griswold Old MacDonald’s Yellow Submarine Alvin Lucier Nothing is Real Philip Glass How Now (Australian premiere) Jed Distler Minute Ring Satie Gnossienne No.3 Toby Twining An American in Buenos Aires Cowell Tides of Manaunaun Cowell Advertisment Somei Satoh Cosmic Womb Margaret Leng Tan piano/toy piano (Singapore) Tickets $50 ($40 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre

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Set a lifelong love of music in motion It’s the connection they make with their class mates, as they build bonds through their shared experiences. They were together when that trumpet sounded, when the symbols crashed, and those vocals soared. They gasped and giggled at the same time, each experiencing something new, together.

Learning & Access Coordinator Belinda Ashe on the Centre’s Share the Music program

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elbourne Recital Centre’s Share the Music program provides all Victorians, irrespective of their location, economic status or background, with access to thrilling music experiences. Generously supported by the Centre’s donors, Last year alone, Share the Music gave more than 6600 people experiencing access barriers free concert tickets, instrument workshops, behind-the-scene tours, transport to and from the Centre and so much more.

Share the Music is about connections.

It’s the first time a young child steps inside Elisabeth Murdoch Hall and makes the connection between true wonder and live music.

It’s the connection made between city and country, as regional students get up extra early to spend hours on a bus to Melbourne, full of nerves and excited chatter. They will be sound asleep on the way home.

For these students, a lifelong connection to music may begin with their first visit to Melbourne Recital Centre.

Some may see and hear the instrument that inspires them to join their community orchestra.

Others will decide to go electric. Either way, a musical seed can be planted and grow steadily over the years.

But these connections are not just for the young. Share the Music breaks down barriers for many people to come and experience live music at the Centre, including aged care residents and community groups that assist people with disabilities.

But it is that first connection, made by someone like you who wants to share the joys of live music with someone who would otherwise miss out, that is the most important.

It is this connection that makes all the others possible.

‘My Share the Music experience was educational and made me so happy.

This was music for the soul.’

Joy, Share the Music participant

You can help us Share the Music by donating today. melbournerecital.com.au/ sharethemusic

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MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE

Paul Cibis & Andreas Kern

Australian Girls Choir

Dale Barltrop

LOCAL HEROES

Australian Girls Choir

Piano Battle Live in Australia

Australian Girls Choir performs in a spectacular showcase of song and dance. Be stunned by their exquisite singing, impressed by their dazzling dance steps and moved by the passionate performance of the Choir. Like no other choir you’ve seen before, these girls perform with vibrancy and energy which is how they have sung their way into the hearts of thousands of people worldwide.

The brainchild of internationally acclaimed pianists Andreas Kern and Paul Cibis, Piano Battle sees the duo go head-to-head on stage.

Who is the better pianist? That’s a challenge for you to tackle with your ears, eyes and heart.

Piano Battle shines a spotlight on two rival pianists who compete to win the audience over with their distinctly different styles, techniques and artistic personalities. The repertoire ranges from Schubert and Chopin to Scriabin and Ligeti. At the end of each round, the audience is invited to vote on the duo’s performances — and eventually crown the winner.

INFOR M AT ION

Sat 24 August 5pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (100-mins incl. interval) Australian Girls Choir Tickets $50 ($38 conc) — on sale 1 July Presented by Australian Girls Choir

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INFOR M AT ION

Sun 25 August 7.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (100-mins no interval) Paul Cibis piano (Germany) Andreas Kern piano (South Africa) Tickets from $59 ($55 conc) Presented by Castiglione Arts & Culture

Scintillating Debussy, Ravel & Bartók with Dale Barltrop Béla Bartók’s arresting and virtuosic Violin Sonata No.1 is brought to life by two incredible muscians, co-concertmaster of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Dale Barltrop and acclaimed pianist Kristian Chong. This work pairs exquisitely with sonatas by Debussy and Ravel, whose influence shows in the Bartók. A recital of explosive virtuosity and colour.

INFOR M AT ION

Mon 26 August 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (70-mins no interval) Debussy Sonata for violin & piano in G minor Ravel Sonata for violin & piano No.1 in A minor Bartók Sonata for violin & piano in C-sharp minor, Op.21, No.1 Dale Barltrop violin Kristian Chong piano Tickets $39 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre and Kristian Chong & Friends

AUGUST

JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER 2019

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Andrea Katz, Songmakers Australia

Ensemble Liaison

LOCAL HEROES

SOUTHBANK SERIES

Ears Wide Open 3 – L’Italiana in Algeri

The Tragedy of Mignon

Quintets with Friends

Join the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra for an illustrated musical lecture on Rossini’s brilliant opera overture presented

by Nicholas Bochner. It starts with hushed pizzicato strings and a lyrical oboe solo. A bright and cheery Allegro begins — the orchestra prancing to the sound of twittering woodwinds and cymbal crashes. Then that famous theme: first in the oboe, next as a duet between the piccolo and bassoon.

It’s silly stuff, the Overture to The Italian Girl in Algiers. But it’s carried off with such effortless charm, and is typical Rossini!

Unique in the musical landscape of Australia, Songmakers Australia performs pinnacles of song and chamber music. Featuring stirring songs and duets by Schubert, Schumann, Wolf and Tchaikovsky, the ensemble explores the story of Mignon, one of literature and music’s most enigmatic characters.

A minor player in Goethe’s Wilhelm Meister, Mignon became the object of an obsession that attracted many great art song composers.

Ensemble Liaison & Friends is a unique concert series presented by internationally acclaimed musicians David Griffiths (clarinet), Svetlana Bogosavljevic (cello) and Timothy Young (piano). An exciting and dramatic evening of passionate music features two wonderful quintets by Weber and Shostakovich and a work by Australian composer Natalie Williams written especially for the ensemble. From the rarely heard to the beloved and the brand new, the artists’ glowing virtuosity is on full display.

INFOR M AT ION

Mon 26 August 6.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (One hour no interval) Rossini Overture to L’Italiana in Algeri (excerpts) Nicholas Bochner presenter Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Tickets $29* ($24* conc) *Prices subject to change without notice

Presented by Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

INFOR M AT ION

Thu 29 August 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Wolf Harfenspieler Songs Schumann 4 Songs Op.98a Tchaikovsky None But The Lonely Heart Liszt Kennst du das Land Schubert ‘Mignon und der Harfner’ from 4 Songs from Wilhelm Meister, D.877 Wolf Mignon Songs Songmakers Australia Tickets $39 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Songmakers Australia

Trio Corta-Jaca

Chiquinha Gonzaga — Her Legacy in Modern Choro Trio Corta-Jaca brings you Brazilian music in its most intimate and exposed form. No sequins or feathers here. Just rhythms that will make you want to dance in your seat and exuberant melodies that conjure images of Rio. Trio CortaJaca explores works by 19th-century feminist composer Chiquinha Gonzaga and the legacy she left behind. Choro is a genre that is ever evolving and blossoming around the world. And for good reason — it’s energetic, soulful and joyous.

INFOR M AT ION

INFOR M AT ION

Thu 29 August 7pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (100-mins incl. interval) Zemlinsky Three Pieces for cello and piano Weber Clarinet Quintet in B-flat, Op.34 Natalie Williams Treppenwitz Shostakovich Piano Quintet in G minor, Op.57

Fri 30 August 8pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Works by Gonzaga, Doug de Vries, Alastair Kerr, Mauricio Carrillo and Pixinguinha.

Natsuko Yoshimoto violin Elizabeth Sellars violin Christopher Moore viola Ensemble Liaison Tickets $50 ($40 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre and Ensemble Liaison & Friends

Bookings at melbournerecital.com.au or 03 9699 3333 | Transaction & delivery fees may apply | Prices subject to change

Trio Corta-Jaca Tickets $30 ($25 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Trio Corta-Jaca

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AUGUST

STAFF PICK

JACOB COLLIER ‘ An absolute genius ... I have never in my life seen a talent like this … Beyond category. One of my favourite young artists on the planet — absolutely mind-blowing.’

QUINCY JONES

The mercurial talent and spell-binding ingenuity of 24-year-old Jacob Collier have earned him global adoration and acclaim beyond that which most artists achieve in their lifetime. Lauded for his unique blend of contemporary jazz-funk, the wunderkind rose to popularity through his viral homemade multi-track YouTube videos, covering songs such as Stevie Wonder’s ‘Don’t You Worry ‘bout a Thing’ with boundless imagination.

He’s collaborated with Hans Zimmer and Herbie Hancock, performed at Coachella with Pharrell Williams, composed music for Dreamworks and already has two Grammys to his name. Jacob Collier’s highly anticipated Melbourne Recital Centre debut sees him scale up the concepts behind his original one-man-show to perform with a band of multi-talented performers playing over 30 acoustic and electronic instruments. Performing songs from his latest offerings, Djesse Vol.1 and Vol.2, the composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist further establishes himself as a must-see for all music fans.

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INFOR M AT ION

Fri 30 & Sat 31 August 8pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours & 30-mins incl. interval) Jacob Collier (U.K.) with band Tickets from $59 Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre in arrangement with Chugg Touring & Events

AUGUST

JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER 2019

2

About the artists The Grigoryan Brothers (pictured left) have received 3 ARIA awards and 24 ARIA award nominations between them.

1

Wa: Ikebana Performance with the Grigoryan Brothers Award-winning floral artist and sculptor Shoso Shimbo has over 30 years’ experience as an ikebana practitioner in the Sogetsu school. After Ikebana demonstrations in Japan, Germany and Romania, he brings together his exquisite skills to create an installation in real time. Recognised for their ‘uncommon originality and authority’ (The New York Times), guitarists Slava Grigoryan and Leonard Grigoryan perform works specially for this event from their broad repertoire, embracing genres such as classic, jazz and contemporary music.

INFOR M AT ION

Sat 31 August 7pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Shoso Shimbo ikebana Slava & Leonard Grigoryan guitar Tickets $80 ($72 conc) Presented by Shoso Shimbo, Melbourne Ikebana Festival

The Firebird

Free Music

Since 1967 Melbourne Youth Orchestras has been enriching young lives through the power of music. The third concert in its 2019 concert series features the world premiere of young Australian composer Cassie To’s The Reef and Sibelius’s Spring Song, elevated by the Orchestra’s fine performance of Stravinsky’s The Firebird Suite (1919). An overnight hit, The Firebird is an enduring masterpiece, loved for its beautiful melodies and remarkable individuality.

Gain a closer insight into the artistry of great musicians with a wonderful hour of free music in Primrose Potter Salon. An open door rehearsal, music-lovers can catch the finest chamber musicians trying out new ideas, playing favourites and performing something new. With a different ensemble every month, Free Music promises to surprise and delight.

INFOR M AT ION

Sun 1 September 2.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (One hours & 30-mins incl. interval) Cassie To The Reef (world premiere) Sibelius Spring Song Smetana Vltana (The Moldau) from Má vlast (My homeland) Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending Stravinsky The Firebird Suite (1919) Natasha Hanna violin Brett Kelly conductor Melbourne Youth Orchestra Tickets $35 ($30 conc) Presented by Melbourne Youth Orchestras

Bookings at melbournerecital.com.au or 03 9699 3333 | Transaction & delivery fees may apply | Prices subject to change

INFOR M AT ION

Tue 3 September 12 noon Primrose Potter Salon (One hour) FREE Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre

1 Slava & Leonard Grigoryan 2 Melbourne Youth Orchestra

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MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE

LOCAL HEROES

Australian Chinese Music Ensemble

Stiletto Sisters

Soliloquy

Garden of Eden

Blending the beautiful and traditional with the contemporary and innovative, this shimmering concert brings you solo and ensemble Chinese music performed by leading exponents of the repertoire. From timeless favourites like Spring Moonlight Night to Chen Yaoxing’s modern treasure for erhu, Horses Galloping, the exquisite sound of the Australian Chinese Music Ensemble is mesmerising.

The Stiletto Sisters takes you into its own Garden of Eden, performing music ranging from the sacred to the everyday. Admire the transcendent beauty of ‘Nigun’ from Scenes of Hassidic Life by Ernst Bloch, Astor Piazzolla’s celebrated ode to freedom, Libertango, and a meditative prelude from Dimitri Shostakovich as well as traditional songs in Yiddish, Hungarian and Russian about nature, springtime, cooking, love, home and good luck.

INFOR M AT ION

INFOR M AT ION

Tue 3 September 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Traditional Chinese works and pieces by Huang Yijun, Wang Guowei, Zhao Songting, Liu Guanyue, Wang Zheng-Ting, Yan Haideng, Liu Tianhua, Chen Yaoxing, Fan Shange and Wang Changyuan.

Wed 4 September 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Traditional songs in Yiddish, Hungarian and Russian, and works

by Bloch, John Zorn, Piazzolla, Kodály and Shostakovitch.

Zheng-Ting Wang director Australian Chinese Music Ensemble Tickets $39 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Australian Chinese Music Ensemble

Stiletto Sisters Tickets $39 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Stiletto Sisters

Love music?

Join our community from just $50 per year and let your passion reward you.

Benefits include: • No transaction fees • Special access to new performances • Exclusive offers and great discounts on tickets, food and beverage and more.

Explore all Membership benefits and join today at melbournerecital.com.au/membership or visit the Box Office.

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JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER 2019

GREAT CHAMBER ENSEMBLES

SEPTEMBER

Viktoria Mullova, Matthew Barley & Stephen de Pledge

Matthew Barley

Stephen de Pledge

Viktoria Mullova is one of her generation’s greatest violin virtuosos and one of the most versatile, with musical horizons that stretch from Baroque to jazz and world music. Whatever she plays, she plays with integrity and passion.

Hear Mullova in the intimacy of a piano trio with her husband, the cellist Matthew Barley, and long-time collaborator, pianist Stephen de Pledge. Chamber music is an opportunity for musicians to engage and challenge each other, to dive deeper into music. It’s rewarding for audiences too.

INFOR M AT ION

Tue 3 September 7.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours incl. interval) Free pre-concert talk 6.45pm Ravel Piano Trio in A minor Salina Fisher new work (Australian premiere) Schubert Piano Trio in E-flat, Op.100, D.292 Viktoria Mullova violin (Russia) Matthew Barley cello (U.K.) Stephen de Pledge piano (N.Z.) Tickets from $62 ($55 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre Supported by Uniting AgeWell

Viktoria Mullova

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SEPTEMBER

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE

Soweto Gospel Choir

Eduardo Strausser

Coco’s Lunch

Soweto Gospel Choir

Other Plans

Petrushka

The three-time Grammy winning Soweto Gospel Choir has been spreading sheer joy to audiences across the globe for nearly two decades. Hailing from the town of Soweto, the birthplace of the South African democratic movement’s struggle for freedom, Soweto Gospel Choir continues to inspire audiences around the world with its powerful blend of African gospel, freedom songs and international classics.

Other Plans is the new, drop dead gorgeous sonic journey by multi-award-winning quintet Coco’s Lunch that has garnered critical acclaim for its bold originality and sheer beauty.

Directed by Neil Jordan (Festival Director, Edinburgh International Children’s Festival) Other Plans showcases the group’s finest vocal compositions alongside fiery South Indian vocal percussion.

Praised for his powerful and dynamic style, conductor Eduardo Strausser makes his ANAM Orchestra debut with the the kaleidoscopic orchestral colours of Stravinky’s Petrushka, selections from Falla’s The ThreeCornered Hat and the memorable melodies of Borodin’s Prince Igor: Polovtsian Dances.

INFOR M AT ION

Thu 5 September 7.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours incl. interval) Soweto Gospel Choir (South Africa) Tickets from $99.90 ($92.90 conc) Presented by Andrew Kay & Associates

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INFOR M AT ION

Fri 6 September 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (70-mins no interval) Coco’s Lunch Tickets $39 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Coco’s Lunch

INFOR M AT ION

Sat 7 September 7.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours incl. interval) Borodin Prince Igor: Polovtsian Dances Falla El sombrero de tres picos (The ThreeCornered Hat) — Suite (selections) Stravinsky Petrushka Eduardo Strausser conductor ANAM Orchestra Tickets $75 ($48 conc) Presented by Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM)

SEPTEMBER PHOTO: NEDIM NAZERALI

The Swingles ‘Superhero singing to truly raise goosebumps.’

THE GUARDIAN (U.K.)

For more than half a century, The Swingles has pushed the boundaries of vocal music.

The seven young singers that make up today’s London-based group are driven by the same innovative spirit that has defined the five-time Grammy winning choral ensemble since it first made waves in the 1960s. At a time when a cappella music is more popular than ever, The Swingles is recognised as a master of its craft.

The program, Look Back (ForWard), is inspired by music from Bach through to Mumford & Sons. With creative arrangements that transport these well-loved songs into the group’s unique and rich sound world, the results are powerful and surprising.

Bookings at melbournerecital.com.au or 03 9699 3333 | Transaction & delivery fees may apply | Prices subject to change

INFOR M AT ION

Fri 6 September 7.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours incl. interval) Songs by Elbow, Corelli, J.S. Bach, The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, Joanna Goldsmith-Eteson, Sara Brimer, Oliver Griffiths, Tallis, Mumford & Sons and Piazzolla The Swingles (U.K.) Tickets from $65 Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre

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MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE

SEPTEMBER

Festival of Jewish Arts & Music (FOJAM)

Willy Zygier & Deborah Conway

Gabriella Cohen

Mary Ocher

Noga Erez

Zackary Drucker

Vivien Goldman

FEATURING Chris Cohen

American singersongwriter formerly of the band Deerhoof

Noga Erez

Israeli beatmaker and producer

The inaugural Festival of Jewish Arts and Music (FOJAM) takes over the Centre for a full day of performance, panels and storytelling.

Using the theme of Lou Reed’s call to ‘Walk on the Wild Side’, this year’s program features over 140 artists who break with convention to carve new paths. FOJAM’s diverse program explores the ways Jewish identity, culture and life are expressed in the arts.

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Song of Songs

Deborah Conway and Willy Zygier celebrate Jewish songwriters

Gabriella Cohen Australia’s indie-pop sweetheart and her band

Vivien Goldman Zackary Drucker (producer of Transparent) Israel Aloni’s My Body, My Nation Gideon Obarzanek’s Circle Dance Hotel Record: oren ambarchi and crys cole George Dreyfus Quartet Mary Ocher Asis D’Orange AAA YIDCORE Tamara & the Dreams Spun Stories — storytelling session with Elise Hearst, Emily Lubitz, Nathan Besser Nevo Zissin & Magic Steven

Transformer Tributes to songs from Lou Reed’s iconic album

YID!

22-piece avant-garde funk and klezmer ensemble

INFOR M AT ION

Sun 8 September 11am, doors open 10.30am Melbourne Recital Centre VIP Pass $220 — includes premium seating, artist meet-&-greets and more Full Festival Pass $180 ($110 conc) Daytime pass $90 ($70 conc) Evening Pass $90 ($70 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Shir Madness Melbourne

Spinifex Gum A distinctly Australian experience, Spinifex Gum is made up of the sounds of the red earth, the voices of Marliya of the Gondwana Choirs, and the collective voice of this country. It’s made of languages, new and old, and the wrongs that wait to be righted. Of passion, fight and love. It’s made from all things Australian. The sound of Marliya goes straight to the heart. These young women have a warmth and richness that belies their age that is inspiring and uplifting with a unique mix of joy, passion and humour.

Commissioned in 2015 by Gondwana Choirs, Felix Riebl’s (The Cat Empire) Spinifex Gum —

SEPTEMBER

JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER 2019

‘The sweetness of the singing, the power of the words and the movement make this a magical experience.’

THE ADELAIDE ADVERTISER a song cycle premiered in 2016. Based on the majestic and complex Pilbara region of Western Australia, Felix visited the Pilbara three times, meeting and developing relationships with members of Indigenous communities in Karratha and Roebourne. The result is a journey to the sun-kissed Pilbara of Australia’s north west that captures the sounds of daily life — rustling leaves, bouncing basketballs and chugging trains — entwined with true stories of the racism, injustice and colonisation that have shaped the region’s history.

INFOR M AT ION

Fri 13 September 7.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (90-mins incl. interval) Felix Riebl Spinifex Gum Felix Riebl Ollie McGill Emma Donovan vocals Marliya Tickets $79/$59 Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre

STAFF PICK

Marliya

Bookings at melbournerecital.com.au or 03 9699 3333 | Transaction & delivery fees may apply | Prices subject to change

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SEPTEMBER

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE

1

Berardi, McAll & Wilson

2

Emerson Quartet

Three of Australia’s most highly regarded jazz musicians take listeners on a dazzling journey to ignite hearts, minds and imaginations. In an exhilarating homage to their mentors and musical inspirations, Kristin Berardi (voice), Barney McAll (piano) and Julien Wilson (tenor saxophone) explore jazz, gospel and original material.

Perhaps the most celebrated string quartet ever to emerge from the U.S.A., Emerson String Quartet is making its first Australian tour in over 19 years. Naturally enough, the master string quartet has chosen to play two programs of great masterpieces. Quartets

by Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven are full of attention-grabbing highlights and dreamy slow movements, while the vitality of folk music shapes the quartets of Dvořák and Bartók.

INFOR M AT ION

INFOR M AT ION

Fri 13 September 8pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Kristin Berardi voice Julien Wilson tenor saxophone Barney McAll piano Tickets $30 ($25 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Kristin Berardi

Sat 14 & Tue 17 September 7pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours incl. interval) Program One: 17 September Mozart String Quartet No.21 in D, K.575 Dvořák String Quartet No.10 in E-flat, Op.51 Shostakovich String Quartet No.5 in B-flat, Op.92 Program Two: 14 September Haydn String Quartet in D, Op.71, No.2 Bartók String Quartet No.5, Sz.102 Beethoven String Quartet No.8 in E minor, Op.59, No.2, ‘Razumovsky’ Emerson Quartet (U.S.A.) Tickets from $66 ($57 conc) Presented by Musica Viva

1 Kristin Berardi 2 Emerson Quartet 3 Alice Giles

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Flute & Harp Two exquisite instruments and uplifting Classical spirit in abundance. One of Mozart’s most loved works, the Concerto for flute, harp and orchestra is pure elegance and magic. To complement, Haydn’s lyrical and intimate Mercury Symphony, the sparkling brio of Tchaikovsky, and a new composition by Nicholas Buc, commissioned by residents of Yackandandah (population 900) where Melbourne Chamber Orchestra tours annually.

INFOR M AT ION

Sun 15 September 2.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours incl. interval) C.P.E. Bach Symphony in E-flat, Wq179 Mozart Concerto for Flute & Harp, K.297c Nicholas Buc Yackandandah Music (world premiere season) Haydn Symphony No.43 in E-flat, Mercury William Hennessy AM director/violin Prudence Davis flute Alice Giles AM harp Melbourne Chamber Orchestra Tickets from $65 ($54 conc) Presented by Melbourne Chamber Orchestra

SEPTEMBER

JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER 2019

Peter de Jager & Lloyd Van't Hoff

LOCAL HEROES

SPOTLIGHT SERIES

MOSTLY MOZART

Without Regrets

Mad Visions

Mozart & Bach

Acclaimed choir Ensemble Gombert performs music by Australian composers.

The centrepiece Messe sans regretz (Without Regrets) by Sydney composer Brooke Shelley is styled on a High Renaissance Mass, while Calvin Bowman’s double-choir settings of John Donne’s Holy Sonnets verge on the Romantic.

Joesph Twist’s work takes its name from a verse of Psalm 137, but is actually a setting of a poem

by Oodgeroo of the Noonuccal tribe.

Clarinettist Lloyd Van’t Hoff and pianist Peter de Jager bring youthful vigour to inspiring music from the far corners of the world. From Carl Maria von Weber’s dramatic Grand Duo Concertante to the thrilling insanity of Australian Holly Harrison’s Alice in Wonderland inspired The Mad Tea Party and Jager’s own Latin Rhapsody, the duo offers a visceral and engaging musical experience.

Mostly Mozart is an hour of wonderful music and the chance to catch up with friends over a cup of tea with classical masterpieces performed in the acoustic beauty of Elisabeth Murdoch Hall by musicians from the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) and guests.

Containing one of the most beloved flute solos of all time, J.S. Bach’s Orchestral Suite No.2 is treasured for its elegance and inventiveness.

Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante also provides stunning parts for its wind soloists and is performed beautifully by the LA Philharmonic Wind Quintet.

INFOR M AT ION

Mon 16 September 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Brooke Shelley Messe sans regretz Joseph Twist How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?

Vaughan McAlley De profundis Calvin Bowman Death be not proud Ensemble Gombert Tickets $39 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Ensemble Gombert

INFOR M AT ION

Tue 17 September 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Missy Mazzoli Isabelle Eberhardt Dreams of Pianos Holly Harrison The Mad Tea Party Peter De Jager Latin Rhapsody Weber Grand Duo Concertante, Op.48 Lloyd Van’t Hoff clarinet Peter de Jager piano/harpsichord Tickets $39 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Lloyd Van’t Hoff

Bookings at melbournerecital.com.au or 03 9699 3333 | Transaction & delivery fees may apply | Prices subject to change

INFOR M AT ION

Thu 19 September 11am Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (One hour no interval) Bach Orchestral Suite No.2 in B minor, BWV 1067 Mozart Sinfonia Concertante in E-flat, K.297b LA Philharmonic Wind Quintet ANAM Orchestra Tickets $49 ($42 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) Supported by Lendlease Over 55s Living

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SEPTEMBER

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE

1

Did you know?

The Primrose Potter Salon is comprised of a series of diffusing timber panels with tessellated plywood faces which tip in and out to form a modulated wall and ceiling.

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3 1 Natsuko Yoshimoto 2 Sharon Grigoryan, Australian String Quartet 3 The Sedergreens

LOCAL HEROES

Light & Dark Violinist Natsuko Yoshimoto and pianist Konstantin Shamray explore the extremes of beauty and emotion in two starkly contrasting masterpieces. Beethoven’s ‘Spring’ Sonata glimmers with optimism and joie de vivre, articulating his abiding love of nature.

Prokofiev’s Sonata No.1 is dark and brooding — arguably one of the most powerful and moving pieces of music one can experience.

INFOR M AT ION

Thu 19 September 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Beethoven Violin Sonata Op.24, No.5 in F, ‘Spring’ Prokofiev Violin Sonata Op.80, No.1 in F minor Natsuko Yoshimoto violin Konstantin Shamray piano Tickets $39 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Natsuko Yoshimoto

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Ives Westlake Debussy Australian String Quartet performs three outstanding musical works. The music of Charles Ives is made of pictures from a long-lost America, appearing like a nostalgic dream.

Claude Debussy’s string quartet showcases a free flow of colours, motifs and gestures in the search for melodic rapture. And the vibrant colour and energy for which Nigel Westlake is renowned make his eagerly awaited new work a splendid companion to Debussy and Ives.

INFOR M AT ION

Fri 20 September 7pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours incl. interval) Ives String Quartet No.1, From the Salvation Army Nigel Westlake String Quartet, No.3 (world premiere) Debussy String Quartet, Op.10 Australian String Quartet Tickets $92 ($72 conc) Presented by Australian String Quartet

Explorations The name Sedergreen is synonymous with jazz in in Melbourne. All three are prolific composers and performers. Their compositional directions are broad, including ground breaking joz music, a blend of jazz with Celtic and Aboriginal influences. This concert is a unique event, featuring not only joz music, but a host of original compositions, reflecting the different approaches of each composer.

INFOR M AT ION

Fri 20 September 8pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) The Sedergreens Tickets $30 ($25 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & The Sedergreens

SEPTEMBER

JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER 2019

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1

Next Generation Baroque Australian Brandenburg Orchestra introduces Australian audiences to four electrifying young artists who have glanced around the corner and are seeking to define Baroque performance of the future. One of these artists is violin prodigy Christian Li who, at just 11 years of age, has already won the Junior Prize at the prestigious Menuhin Competition in Europe. These vivacious local musicians are making momentous musical waves across London, New York and Geneva and will ignite the stage as they unite with spirited virtuosity and boundless youthful energy.

INFOR M AT ION

Sat 21 September 7pm & Sun 22 September 5pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours incl. interval) Arne Rise, glory rise J.S. Bach Chaconne from Partita No.2 in D minor Halvorsen Passacaglia for violin and viola after Handel Handel Arias from Julius Caesar, Jephtha, Alcina & Ariodante Vivaldi Violin Concerto in E minor, Op.11, No.2 Christian Li violin Annie Gard Baroque violin (U.S.A.) Madison Nonoa soprano (N.Z.) Filipe Manu tenor (N.Z.) Paul Dyer artistic director Australian Brandenburg Orchestra Tickets from $30 Presented by Australian Brandenburg Orchestra

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LOCAL HEROES

SOUTHBANK SERIES

Lightness of Being

Monteverdi’s Vespers

Caroline Almonte and Blair Harris present diverse modern Australian works for cello and piano paired with the monumental sonatas of French icon Gabriel Fauré. Be enraptured as they share the fleeting fairytales of Janáček’s Pohádka and Fauré’s rarely heard Cello Sonata No.1 — an energetic yet lyrical work of highly original style. Also featured are contemporary works of Greenbaum and Humphries, showcasing our nation’s own musical language.

In Monteverdi’s ambitious Vespers of 1610, the composer seamlessly combined unaccompanied choral church music with the opulent theatricality of the Baroque, demonstrating his mastery of both the old and the new. Ludovico’s Band joins forces with Ensemble Gombert under the direction of John O’Donnell for this performance of Monteverdi’s much-loved sacred work.

INFOR M AT ION

Mon 23 September 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Stuart Greenbaum Lunar Orbit Janáček Pohádka (Fairy Tale) Alice Humphries Strike a Light Burn it Bright Fauré Cello Sonata No.1 in D minor, Op.109

INFOR M AT ION

Mon 23 September 6.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (100-mins incl. interval) Monteverdi Vespro della Beata Vergine, SV 206 Ludovico’s Band Ensemble Gombert Tickets $50 ($40 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Ludovico’s Band

Blair Harris cello Caroline Almonte piano Tickets from $39 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Blair Harris

Bookings at melbournerecital.com.au or 03 9699 3333 | Transaction & delivery fees may apply | Prices subject to change

1 Natalia Harvey 2 Blair Harris 3 Christian Li 4 Ludovico’s Band

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SEPTEMBER

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE

Sophie Rowell

Christopher Moore

Rowell & Moore Two extraordinary musicians, violinist Sophie Rowell and violist Christopher Moore, make their duo debut. If the string quartet is a conversation among equals, then the duo of violin and viola is an engrossing tête-à-tête.

Mozart’s genius shines in his joyous duo, Martinů’s Three Madrigals are wonderfully rich in texture, and a world premiere by Stuart Greenbaum adds an Australian element to this most intimate of chamber music combinations.

Enjoy morning tea in the Ground Floor Foyer from 10am and an exclusive Meet the Artists session following the concert at noon.

INFOR M AT ION

Tue 24 September 11am Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (One hour no interval) Mozart Duo in G, K.423 Martinů Three Madrigals Stuart Greenbaum Sonata, From Far Above (world premiere) Sophie Rowell violin Christopher Moore viola Tickets $54 Presented by Musica Viva

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Fidelio Quartet

Melbourne Beethoven Quartet Cycle Concert 6

Kids & Families

Jams for Fams: Meeting Mendelssohn

On the eve of Beethoven’s 250th birthday, Fidelio Quartet continues its sublime musical adventure through the great composer’s string quartets. From his ‘Middle Period’, the Quartet offers a delightful Op.18 quartet and the tremendous Op.130 quartet. Crohn’s and Colitis Australia is proudly supporting the Melbourne Beethoven Quartet Cycle to raise awareness of Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, which Beethoven suffered from.

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra invites kids and families to an interactive musical adventure exploring Felix Mendelssohn’s vibrantly vivid, vivacious, vital and volatile Violin Concerto. The Orchestra, presenter Thea Rossen and special guest Ray Chen will guide you through the 35-minute jam. Bring your clapping hands, your singing voice and stamping feet to join in as you discover Mendelssohn’s marvellous melodies and rousing rhythms.

INFOR M AT ION

INFOR M AT ION

Tue 24 September 7.30pm Primrose Potter Salon (Two hours & 30-mins incl. interval) Beethoven String Quartet in B-flat, No.6, Op.18 Beethoven String Quartet in B-flat, No.13, Op.130

Wed 25 September 12 noon Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (35-mins no interval) Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in E minor, Op.64 (highlights)

Fidelio Quartet Tickets $60 ($40 conc) Presented by Fidelio Quartet and Crohn’s and Colitis Australia

Thea Rossen presenter Ray Chen violin Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Tickets $25 Babes in arms ticketing applies.

See page 45 for details.

Presented by Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

SEPTEMBER

JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER 2019

Paul Lewis GREAT PERFORMERS

Completing his epic survey of the great works of Haydn, Beethoven and Brahms, Paul Lewis once again displays his extraordinary gifts in this grand program of masterpieces.

Marshall McGuire, Director of Programming

What better way to conclude this pianistic journey

by Lewis than with the greatest work of all.

This concert is a homecoming for Paul Lewis, and for us. For the last two seasons Lewis has led us on a journey of discovery into the very soul of the piano through the music of Haydn, Beethoven and Brahms. We’ve experienced Haydn’s mercurial wit, Beethoven’s emotional extremes and Brahms’s interiority. Lewis concludes his survey with three of their greatest works: the high drama of Haydn’s E-minor sonata, Brahms’s dreamiest intermezzos, and finally Beethoven’s Diabelli Variations, where an artless little waltz explodes into a universe of humour, tragedy and transcendence.

INFOR M AT ION

Tue 24 September 7.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (One hour & 50-mins incl. interval) Free pre-concert talk 6.45pm Haydn Keyboard Sonata in E minor, Hob.XVI:34 Brahms Three Intermezzi, Op.117 Beethoven Diabelli Variations Paul Lewis piano (U.K.) Tickets $62 ($55 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre Series Partner: Legal Friends of Melbourne Recital Centre Program Partner: The Langham Melbourne

Bookings at melbournerecital.com.au or 03 9699 3333 | Transaction & delivery fees may apply | Prices subject to change

Master Class with Paul Lewis Join Paul Lewis for a revelatory master class and discover more about the great repertoire for piano.

INFOR M AT ION

Mon 16 September 6pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours no interval) Paul Lewis piano Tickets $10 Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre Supported by Jim Cousins AO & Libby Cousins and Igor & Jenny Zambelli

41

SEPTEMBER

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE

Staff Picks

El Chantry, Contemporary Program Manager, talks about the highlights this season that’ll keep her at the Centre until late at night.

Jessica Hitchcock

Dale Barltrop

Jordan Rakei New Zealand born multi-instrumentalist Jordan Rakei is one to keep an eye on.

Coming to us hot off the release of his anticipated third album, you’ll love his bright jazz-infected melodies and transfixing soulful vocals.

Mon 9 August | More on page 21

Margaret Leng Tan ‘The Queen of the Toy Piano’, Margaret is an absolute joy to watch.

A formidable player of the avantguarde, her imaginative performances and surprisingly wide range of repertoire will amaze you.

Fri 23 August | More on page 24

Spinifex Gum This promises to be a truly memorable performance. Having received rave reviews at both Adelaide and Sydney Festivals, don’t miss the opportunity to see this powerful work that holds a mirror to the country in all its destruction, injustice, strength and beauty.

Fri 13 September | More on page 35

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Jessica Hitchcock Jessica Hitchcock is an award-winning singer, Indigenous performer and songwriter. Her charismatic stage presence and versatile performances draw on over 15 years of musical experience and have recently led her to tour with Kate Miller-Hiedke and Mission Songs Project, while continuing her work at Short Black Opera as a collaborator and composer.

This year Jessica releases her first LP, Bloodline, a collection of songs about love, life and loss.

INFOR M AT ION

Wed 25 September 7pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Jessica Hitchcock vocals Tickets $30 ($25 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre

Dale Barltrop & Ray Chen: Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto Ray Chen has been winning hearts around the world with his incredible skill and charming stage presence. Chen joins the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra for Mendelssohn’s famous Violin Concerto, but not before Rossini’s sparkling overture to his opera The Italian Girl in Algiers.

Then it’s double trouble, as Chen teams up with the orchestra’s concertmaster Dale Barltrop in a concerto for two violins by Vivaldi. How else can you finish such a vibrant concert than with Schubert’s Third Symphony, its sunny D major charm and dizzying tarantella finale?

INFOR M AT ION

Thu 26 September 7.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours incl. interval) Rossini L’Italiana in Algeri Overture Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in E minor, Op.64 Vivaldi Concerto for two violins in A minor, RV 522 Schubert Symphony No.3 in D, D.200 Dale Barltrop director/violin Ray Chen violin Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Tickets from $99 ($94 conc) Presented by Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

SEPTEMBER

JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER 2019

Syzygy Ensemble

Turning Circles This year Syzygy Ensemble turns 10 and reflects on what it means to grow and change.

The award-winning contemporary music group is lauded for its virtuoso precision and original programming. This concert explores journeys both literal and metaphorical, from the curious life cycle of bees with Liza Lim to the ecstatically pealing bells of Sean Shepherd’s Lumens, celebrating nature’s cycle of rebirth from ash and fire — new life after death.

INFOR M AT ION

Thu 26 September 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Tansy Davies Grind Show (Electric) Andrew Byrne Ghost in the Machine (world premiere) Liza Lim The Turning Dance of the Bee Sean Shepherd Lumens Daniel Richardson percussion Syzygy Ensemble Tickets $39 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Syzygy Ensemble

Miles Johnston, 2018 winner

Great Romantics Competition Now in its 10th year, the national Great Romantics Competition provides a platform for young musicians and ensembles passionate about Romantic repertoire, including such luminaries as Brahms, Liszt and Schumann.

Open to soloists, duos or small ensembles, Australia’s talented young musicians will battle it out for the prestigious Elisabeth Murdoch Prize, which includes a combination of cash plus performance and recording opportunities.

INFOR M AT ION

Sun 29 September 3pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours & 30-mins incl. interval) FREE — tickets required (available from 29 July) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre Supported by Annamila Pty Ltd, Mrs Margaret S. Ross AM & Dr Ian C Ross

Bookings at melbournerecital.com.au or 03 9699 3333 | Transaction & delivery fees may apply | Prices subject to change

Solstice Piano Trio

Cityscapes Solstice Piano Trio creates a musical portrait of cities as places of chaos, connection, hope, home and history. The performance features commissions by local composers and a new work by Solstice’s cellist Steph Arnold.

Complementing these central works will be music by Moya Henderson and finally Pēteris Vasks’s Plainscapes: a beautiful and meditative work reflecting Vasks’s own connection to his home and the Latvian landscape.

INFOR M AT ION

Mon 30 September 6pm Primrose Potter Salon (One hour no interval) Pēteris Vasks Plainscapes Moya Henderson Waking Up The Flies Stephanie Arnold new work Louisa Trewartha new work Solstice Piano Trio Tickets $39 ($29 conc) Presented by Melbourne Recital Centre & Solstice Piano Trio

43

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE

School concerts Westbourne Grammar School Annual Concert: Ascension Westbourne Grammar School’s finest musicians share a spectacular program of inspiration and celebration, opening and closing with two massed items showcasing the talents of 250 instrumentalists and vocalists.

INFOR M AT ION

Sun 21 July 4pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Three hours incl. interval) Works by Bernstein, Christopher Tin, A. R. Rahman, Gnarls Barkly, Gilbert Gabriel and Nick Laird-Clowes.

Westbourne Grammar School students Tickets $24 ($16 conc) — on sale 3 June Presented by Westbourne Grammar School

Korowa Anglican Girls’ School Annual Concert

Melbourne Girls Grammar

Join over 300 students as Korowa Anglican Girls’ School’s large ensembles and VCE Music Performance students perform in a celebratory evening of sophisticated and diverse music.

Melbourne Girls Grammar presents ensembles from the School’s vibrant cocurricular program in celebration of the student’s talents, and the camaraderie which making music together creates.

INFOR M AT ION

Thu 1 August 7pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours & 30-mins incl. interval) Korowa Anglican Girls’ School students Tickets $32.50 ($22.50) — on sale 20 June Presented by Korowa Anglican Girls’ School

INFOR M AT ION

Tue 20 August 7.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall Two hours (incl. interval) Melbourne Girls Grammar students Tickets $28 ($22 conc) — on sale 29 July Presented by Melbourne Girls Grammar

Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak: Showcase Concert

Haileybury in Concert Haileybury presents a whole school concert featuring its best musicians and ensembles.

Senior School ensembles perform a variety of classical, jazz and contemporary music.

INFOR M AT ION

Wed 28 August 7.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours & 45-mins incl. interval) Haileybury students Tickets $15 — on sale 17 July Presented by Haileybury

Music at the Centre — War of the Worlds

Lowther Hall Annual Music Concert

St Michael’s Grammar School music students from Years 4 to 12 perform two epic contrasting works on the theme of conflict, including Jeff Wayne’s thrilling musical version of H.G. Wells’s novel The War of the Worlds.

Lowther Hall Anglican Grammar School showcases diverse musical pieces performed by students from the School’s orchestras, jazz bands, concert bands, choirs and ensembles.

INFOR M AT ION

Mon 2 September 7pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours incl. interval) Jeff Wayne The War of the Worlds (highlights) Haydn Missa in Angustiis (Mass for troubled times), Hob. XXII/11, ‘Nelson Mass’ St Michael’s Grammar School music students Tickets $25 ($18 conc) — on sale 5 August Presented by St Michael’s Grammar School

44

INFOR M AT ION

Tue 10 September 7pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours & 15-mins incl. interval) Lowther Hall Anglican Grammar School students Tickets $37 ($28 conc) — on sale 24 July Presented by Lowther Hall Anglican Grammar School

Featuring solo and orchestral works from classical to contemporary, Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak presents an uplifting and celebratory concert showcasing the performance excellence of its students.

INFOR M AT ION

Wed 11 September 7pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours & 45-mins incl. interval) Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak soloists from Years 7—12 Mandeville String Orchestra Loreto Symphony Orchestra Tickets $40 ($25 conc) — on sale 9 August Presented by Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak

A Winter Concert Wesley College Glen Waverley Campus Music School presents A Winter Concert, an uplifting celebration of the many talented students of the school that all lovers of music will enjoy.

INFOR M AT ION

Wed 21 August 7pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Three hours incl. interval) Wesley College Glen Waverley Campus students Tickets $38 ($30 conc) Presented by Wesley College Glen Waverley Campus

Terms & Conditions The Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School explores interactions between young people and technology featuring the world premiere of Stefan Cassomenos’s Terms & Conditions and Mason Bates’s Mothership.

INFOR M AT ION

Thu 12 September 7.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours incl. interval) Works by Schnittke, Dvořák, Stefan Cassomenos and Mason Bates.

Fabian Russell conductor James Le Fevre conductor Alexandra Hiew string director Dermot Tutty choral director Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School students Tickets $50 ($30 conc) — on sale 12 July Presented by Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School

One Thread That Binds Us All St Catherine’s School returns to Melbourne Recital Centre for its 2019 Gala Concert. Music-lovers of all kinds will enjoy a variety of performances by the school’s talented musicians from Years 4 to 12.

INFOR M AT ION

Tue 27 August 6.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Three hours incl. interval) St Catherine’s School students Tickets $34 — on sale 30 May Presented by St Catherine’s School

Wantirna College Gala Concert Wantirna College is a leading school in the area of Performing Arts. To highlight the outstanding program at the College, it showcases its premiere ensembles, chorales and soloists.

INFOR M AT ION

Wed 18 September 7.30pm Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (Two hours & 15-mins incl. interval) Wantirna College students Tickets $20 — on sale 1 July Presented by Performing Arts at Wantirna College

JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER 2019

How to book

Keep me informed

Online melbournerecital.com.au

Immerse yourself in our great program of music and events.

To keep informed through our program brochures or to receive updates online select the options below that best suit your needs.

By Phone +61 3 9699 3333 (Monday — Friday 9am to 5pm) In Person Melbourne Recital Centre Box Office (Monday — Friday 9am to 5pm and two hours prior to all performances).

The Box Office is located on the ground floor.

Mail Box Office — Mail Bookings 31 Sturt Street, SOUTHBANK VIC 3006 Concessions Eligible concessions vary according to performances.

Please contact the Box Office for details. Proof of concession is required upon ticket collection.

Groups Group pricing is available for select performances, please see Box Office for details.

Ticket prices are subject to change without notice.

Transaction & Delivery Fees A transaction fee between $5.50 and $8 applies to orders made online and by phone.

A delivery fee of up to $5.50 may also apply.

For information on access services please contact 03 9699 3333 or visit the website.

All details correct at time of publication but are subject to change where necessary and without notice. Check the website for updates.

Babes in Arms Performances with this symbol have a Babes in Arms policy. Babies under the age of two may attend free of charge and be admitted without a ticket, on the condition that they do not occupy a seat and sit on the lap of a parent or guardian.

Everyone else attending these performances must hold a valid ticket.

Auslan Interpretation Performances with this symbol will have an Auslan interpreter onstage with the artists.

Families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing should look to purchase seats in the first few rows to ensure clear vision of the interpreter.

Access Melbourne Recital Centre is committed to Universal Access. For people with access requirements, please visit our website or call the Box Office for assistance.

Please keep me informed and post new program guides and updates to my address below

Please keep me informed by sending your fortnightly What’s On Guide email and program updates to my email account below

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(Please tick as many as applicable) Pop & more: The world’s best artists in pop, rock, country, folk, world and alternative.

Classical: From early music to contemporary classical performed by internationally and locally acclaimed soloists and ensembles.

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Please return this entire sheet to us In Person: Hand to our Box Office staff Fax: 03 9207 2662 Mail (No Stamp Required): Marketing Melbourne Recital Centre Reply Paid 85302 SOUTHBANK VIC 3006

Our Privacy Commitment To You Preserving your privacy is important to us. Information concerning the way Melbourne Recital Centre handles personal information can be viewed at our web site at melbournerecital.com.au

@MelbRecital 45

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE

Thank You Melbourne Recital Centre acknowledges the generous support of its business partners, philanthropic supporters and patrons.

FOUNDING PATRON The Late Dame Elisabeth Murdoch ac dbe

BOARD MEMBERS Stephen Carpenter, Acting Chair Peter Bartlett Joseph Corponi

The Hon Mary Delahunty Paul Donnelly Assoc Prof Jody Evans

FOUNDING BENEFACTORS

LIFE MEMBERS

The Kantor Family The Calvert-Jones Family Lyn Williams am Helen Macpherson Smith Trust Robert Salzer Foundation The Hugh Williamson Foundation

Lin Bender am Deborah Cheetham ao Jim Cousins ao Kathryn Fagg Margaret Farren-Price & Ronald Farren-Price am

Margaret Farren-Price Eda Ritchie am Audrey Zibelman

Richard Gubbins Penny Hutchinson Julie Kantor Jordi Savall Mary Vallentine ao

PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT PARTNER

BUSINESS PARTNERS Learning Partner

SUPPORTING PARTNERS

PROGRAM PARTNERS

FOUNDATIONS

THE ARANDAY FOUNDATION

46

THE JACK & HEDY BRENT FOUNDATION

THE PEGGY & LESLIE CRANBOURNE FOUNDATION

THE MARIAN & E.H. FLACK TRUST

THE SENTINEL FOUNDATION

THE VIZARD FOUNDATION

THE HUGH WILLIAMSON FOUNDATION

JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER 2019

Inspired Giving 10TH ANNIVERSARY GIFTS 10th Anniversary Benefactor Lady Primrose Potter AC 10th Anniversary Public Activation Program ($50,000) Peter & Ruth McMullin 10th Anniversary Commissions The Aranday Foundation Ulrike Klein AO Jane Kunstler Majlis Pty Ltd. Playking Foundation Margaret S Ross AM & Dr Ian C Ross Maria Sola Helen Symon QC & Ian Lulham The Yulgilbar Foundation Steinway Giving Circle Benefactor Patron Gandel Philanthropy ($30,000+) Krystyna Campbell-Pretty ($10,000+) Anonymous (1) John Calvert-Jones AM & Janet Calvert-Jones AO Dr Alastair Jackson AM Lady Primrose Potter AC Skipp Williamson & Carol Haynes ($5000+) Warwick & Paulette Bisley Arnold & Mary Bram ($2500+) Bruce Parncutt AO ($1000+) Kaye Cleary Tim Connard Craig K Coulson Roger Gillard & Sohwon Kim Linda Herd David Lee Jay Lee and Muriel Yang Geoff & Jan Phillips Prof Margaret Plant Margaret S Ross AM & Dr Ian Ross Vivian Wei Wang ($500+) Anonymous (2) Jane Bloomfield In memory of Beryl Hooley Janet McDonald $10 Ticket Program ($20,000+) Krystyna Campbell-Pretty Yvonne von Hartel AM, Robert Peck AM, Rachel Peck & Marten Peck of peckvonhartel architects ($10,000+) Annamila Pty Ltd Dara Pty Ltd The Robert Salzer Foundation Angelina & Graeme Wise ($4000+) The John and Jennifer Brukner Foundation Julian Burnside QC AO & Kate Durham John Calvert-Jones AM & Janet Calvert-Jones AO Kathryn Fagg Katrina & Simon Holmes à Court Silvia & Michael Kantor Susan Thacore Andrew & Jan Wheeler Igor & Jenny Zambelli

($2500+) Susan Alberti AC & Colin North OAM ($1000+) Anonymous (3) ARM Architecture Adrienne Basser Carolyn & Tony Baum Jane Bloomfield Helen Brack Barbara Burge John Castles AM & Thelma Castles OAM Maggie Cash Christine & Michael Clough The Hon Mary Delahunty Paul Donnelly & Brigitte Treutenaere Jo Fisher & Peter Grayson Colin Golvan AM QC & Dr Deborah Golvan Naomi Golvan & George Golvan QC Robert & Jan Green Dr Garry Joslin & Prof Dimity Reed AM Sally MacIndoe Jane Matthews Message Consultants Australia Dr Richard Mills AM Tim Orton & Barbara Dennis James Ostroburski & Leo Ostroburski Prof David Penington AC & Dr Sonay Hussein Geoff & Jan Phillips Shelley Rowlands Christine Sather Dr Cherilyn Tillman & Tam Vu The Ullmer Family Foundation Mary Vallentine AO Janet Whiting AM & Phil Lukies MUSIC CIRCLE — A VIBRANT AND DIVERSE MUSICAL PROGRAM Donors who support the depth and vibrancy of the Centre’s musical program play a crucial role in ensuring that we can continue to present a rich diversity of the greatest musicians and ensembles from Australia and around the globe. ($30,000+) Yvonne von Hartel AM, Robert Peck AM, Rachel Peck & Marten Peck of peckvonhartel architects (Signature Events Benefactors) ($20,000+) Melbourne Recital Centre Board of Directors Peter & Cally Bartlett Stephen Carpenter & Leigh Ellwood Joseph & Nicole Corponi The Hon Mary Delahunty Paul Donnelly & Brigitte Treutenaere Assoc Prof Jody Evans Margaret Farren-Price & Prof Ronald Farren-Price AM Eda Ritchie AM Audrey Zibelman ($10,000+) Anonymous (1) John & Lorraine Bates Paulette & Warwick Bisley (Great Performers Leadership Supporters) Arnold & Mary Bram Kathryn Fagg

John & Cathy Simpson Maria Sola (Local Heroes & Great Performers Leadership Supporter)

Pearl Tang (including matching from Pricewaterhouse Coopers) Dr Michael Troy

($7500+) Esther & Brian Benjamin (Great Performers Leadership Supporters)

($500+) Rhonda Allen Jenny Anderson Anonymous (1) Peter J Armstrong Alistaire Bowler Min Li Chong Jean Dunn MinterEllison Penelope Hughes Angela & Richard Kirsner Dr Anne Lierse Jane Morris Dr Robert Piaggio Dr Diane Tibbits

($4000+) Danielle Davis & Joyce Marks Robert & Jan Green Jenny & Peter Hordern Diana Lempriere Message Consultants Australia James Ostroburski & Leo Ostroburski Geoff & Jan Phillips (Great Performers Leadership Supporters) Margaret Taylor Mary Vallentine AO Dr Victor Wayne & Dr Karen Wayne OAM ($2500+) Anonymous (1) Ballandry (Peter Griffin Family) Fund Liz & Charles Baré Alastair Campbell & Sue Campbell Kathy & George Deutsch Andrea Goldsmith Ann Lahore Shelley & Euan Murdoch Dr Paul Nisselle AM Greg Noonan Sirius Foundation ($1000+) Adrienne Basser Jane Bate & Eryl Morgan Helen Brack Bill Burdett AM & Sandra Burdett Maggie Cash John Castles AM & Thelma Castles OAM Julie Ann Cox AM & Laurie Cox AO Mary Draper Lord Francis Ebury & The Late Lady Suzanne Ebury Maggie Edmond Susan Fallaw The Leo & Mina Fink Fund Angela Glover Ann Gordon Jan Grant Nance Grant AM MBE & Ian Harris Henkell Family Fund In memory of Beryl Hooley Stuart Jennings Dr Garry Joslin & Prof Dimity Reed AM George & Grace Kass Maria Mercurio Baillieu Myer AC & Sarah Myer Rupert Myer AO & Annabel Myer Stephen Newton AO Elizabeth O’Keeffe Helen Perlen Kerryn Pratchett Sandra Robertson & Philip Cachia Cathy & Peter Rogers Peter Rose & Christopher Menz In Memory of Pauline Speedy Barbara & Duncan Sutherland Pamela Swansson

ACCESS TO THRILLING MUSIC AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERYBODY Supported by the Elisabeth Murdoch Creative Development Fund and the Mary Vallentine Limitless Stage Fund, donors to our learning and access programs help to share the music by bringing high-quality music and learning opportunities to people from all walks of life. ($40,000+) Dr Geraldine Lazarus & Mr Greig Gailey (Regional Touring and Outreach Leadership Supporters) ($30,000+) Krystyna Campbell-Pretty ($20,000+) Kim Williams AM (Mary Vallentine Limitless Stage Fund) ($10,000+) Annamila Pty Ltd Jennifer Brukner John & Susan Davies Linda Herd Lady Marigold Southey AC ($4000+) The Betty Amsden Foundation Jack & Hedy Brent Foundation The Hon Susan M Crennan AC QC (Mary Vallentine Limitless Stage Fund) Helen & Michael Gannon Kathryn Greiner AO (Mary Vallentine Limitless Stage Fund) Silvia & Michael Kantor Martyn Myer AO & Louise Myer Susan Thacore ($2500+) Anne Burgi & Kerin Carr Kaye & David Birks John Calvert-Jones AM & Janet Calvert-Jones AO ($1000+) Anonymous (1) Keith & Debby Badger John & Mary Barlow Jane Bloomfield Helen Brack Bill Burdett AM & Sandra Burdett Christine & Michael Clough Paul Donnelly & Brigitte Treutenaere Maria Hansen

Jenny & Peter Hordern (Mary Vallentine Limitless Stage Fund) In memory of Beryl Hooley John Howie AM & Dr Linsey Howie Louise Kornman Prof John Langford AM & The Late Christina McCallum Cathy Lowy (Mary Vallentine Limitless Stage Fund) Sally MacIndoe Maria McCarthy Peter & Ruth McMullin Ann Miller Dennis & Fairlie Nassau Greg Shalit & Miriam Faine The Ullmer Family Foundation (Mary Vallentine Limitless Stage Fund) Mary Vallentine AO Vivian Wei Wang Mark & Jane Wilson Elizabeth Xipell Audrey Zibelman NURTURING ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT — FOSTERING A BRIGHT MUSICAL FUTURE Supported by the Elisabeth Murdoch Creative Development Fund, donors who support our enriching artist development programs help to create a wide range of unique opportunities for local musicians, and help to ensure a vibrant musical future for Victoria and beyond.

Betty Amsden Kids and Family Program Benefactor The Late Betty Amsden AO DSJ ($20,000+) Margaret S Ross AM & Dr Ian C Ross (Artist Development Leadership Supporters) ($10,000+) Peter Jopling AM QC (Artist Development Leadership Supporter) Majlis Pty Ltd Vivian Wei Wang Angelina & Graeme Wise ($4000+) Annamila Pty Ltd Andrew & Theresa Dyer Lyn Williams AM ($2500+) Anonymous (1) ($1000+) Anonymous (2) Peter J Armstrong In memory of Beryl Hooley Martine Letts Dr Richard Mills AM ($500+) Australian Bach Society Frederic & Karen Pomeranz GIVING CIRCLES Melbourne Recital Centre Giving Circles are passionate and like-minded groups of donors who come together to collectively celebrate their love of music by supporting special projects.

Bookings at melbournerecital.com.au or 03 9699 3333 | Transaction & delivery fees may apply | Prices subject to change

Ensemble Giovane — Leadership Donors in support of Master classes & young artist development ($10,000+) Jim Cousins AO & Libby Cousins YMF Australia ($7500+) George & Laila Embelton ($5000+) Jo Fisher Lyndsey & Peter Hawkins Igor Zambelli & Jenny Zambelli ($3000+) Anonymous (1) Christine Sather Dr Cherilyn Tillman & Tam Vu ($1000+) Peter J Armstrong Bailey-Lord Family Mary Beth Bauer Fiona Bennett Zoe Brinsden Kathryn Fagg Dr Jane Gilmour OAM & Terry Brain Prof Andrea Hull AO Liane Kemp Simon Le Plastrier Norene Leslie McCormac Rosemary O’Connor Laura Thomas ($500+) Dianne Jacobs Legal Friends of Melbourne Recital Centre Legal Friends Inaugural Patrons The Hon Justice Michelle Gordon AC & The Hon Kenneth M Hayne AC QC ($10,000+) The Hon Justice Michelle Gordon AC & The Hon Kenneth M Hayne AC QC ($4000+) Anonymous (1) Naomi Golvan & George Golvan QC Peter B Murdoch QC & Helen Murdoch Maya Rozner & Alex King ($2500+) Anonymous (2) Colin Golvan AM QC & Dr Deborah Golvan Ralph & Ruth Renard Peter J Stirling & Kimberley Kane ($1000+) Anonymous (3) Marcia & John K Arthur James Barber Peter Bartlett Annette Blonski & Martin Bartfeld QC David Byrne The Hon Alex Chernov AC QC & Elizabeth Chernov Christine Clough The Hon Julie Dodds-Streeton Timothy Goodwin Robert Heathcote & Meredith King The Hon Peter Heerey AM QC & Sally Heerey Judge Sara Hinchey & Tom Pikusa John Howie AM & Dr Linsey Howie

Pandora Kay & John Larkins Anthony J & Philippa M Kelly Maryanne B Loughnan QC Banjo McLachlan & Paul Mahony Elizabeth O’Keeffe Meredith Schilling Michael Shand QC Tom Smyth ($500+) Elizabeth Boros Leslie G Clements The Hon Hartley Hansen QC & Rosalind Hansen The Hon David L Harper AM Medical Friends of Melbourne Recital Centre ($2000+) Dr Charlotte Slade & Assoc Prof Sebastian King ($1000+) Mr Phillip Antippa & Dr Tracey Huntley Michael Bennett & Kate Stockwin Prof Rod Hunt & Michael Sharpe Dr Jean McMullin & Dr Catherine Brennan Dr John F Mills Seat Dedications Annamila Pty Ltd Lowina Blackman John Calvert-Jones AM & Janet Calvert-Jones AO The Hon Mary Delahunty Ronald Farren-Price AM & Margaret Farren-Price Kristin Gill & family Colin & Deborah Golvan Nance Grant AM MBE Catherine Heggen Hans & Petra Henkell Kathy Horadam Anne Kantor AO & The Late Dr Milan Kantor OAM Alex King & Sebastian King Cathy Lowy Katherine Rechtman Ralph & Ruth Renard Kiera Stevens Peter J. Stirling Ian Suren Jenny Tatchell Friends of David Tong Mary Vallentine AO Mary Waldron Vivian Wei Wang Encore Bequest Program — A Lasting Legacy Anonymous (3) The Late Betty Amsden AO DSJ Jenny Anderson Barbara Blackman Jennifer Brukner Ken Bullen Jim Cousins AO & Libby Cousins Dr Garry Joslin Jane Kunstler Janette McLellan Elizabeth O’Keeffe Prof Dimity Reed AM Sandy Shaw The Estate of Beverley Shelton & Martin Schönthal Mary Vallentine AO List of patrons as at 9 May 2019

47

Melbourne Recital Centre in arrangement with Niche Productions presents

Presents

SYMPHONIC SOUL

Cnr Southbank Blvd & Sturt Street Southbank, VICTORIA

‘One man’s vision of soul music’s evolving potential’ Rolling Stone Australia’s favourite soul and funk act reinvents selections from its extensive songbook with a 10-piece string ensemble. Expect lush and inspired soul arrangements — and some extra special surprise guests — in a performance launching its new album, By Special Arrangement.

THU 15 AUGUST 7.30PM TICKETS FROM $49

Principal Government Partner

MELBOURNERECITAL.COM.AU BOX OFFICE 03 9699 3333 #melbrecital